In the 2021 Federal Budget the Morrison Government announced that it would invest an additional $2.7 billion to extend and expand support for Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy program.

The additional investment will enable businesses to claim a 12-month wage subsidy for new apprentices commencing between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Government and businesses in Barker are backing opportunities for our young people.

“By extending and expanding our support for apprenticeship commencements, we are ensuring that young Australians are able to learn new skills and find sustainable employment that will help drive our continued economic recovery.” Mr Pasin said.

“Apprenticeships are an important pathway to get young people into jobs and to ensure there is a skills pipeline to meet the future needs of employers.” Mr Pasin said.

Group Training Employment General Manager, Greg Megaw said the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy (BAC) has provided employers in the Limestone Coast surety during a period of many unknowns.

“No doubt the extension of (BAC) has given employers the confidence to employ more apprentice/trainees which intern has provided some fantastic job opportunities that may not of been there otherwise.” Mr Megaw said.

“Group Training Employment are employing record numbers of apprentice/trainees and no doubt much of this has been generated by Federal Government funding.” Mr Megaw said.

Mr Pasin said creating jobs, generating economic opportunities and boosting the skills of workers right across Australia are at the heart of our plan, as we build back from the COVID-19 recession.

“I thank each and every business in Barker who has given someone the chance to upskill or reskill.” Mr Pasin said.

The Government is also investing $500 million for the expansion of the JobTrainer Fund to deliver around 163,000 additional low fee and fee-free training places over two years.

More information on the measure is available at: https://www.employment.gov.au/boosting-apprenticeship-commencements End.