$4,000 incentive to employ apprentices
When the Federal Government recently handed down the 2019-20 Budget, it announced key measures that will support the provision of up 80,000 apprenticeships over 5 years.
Part of this initiative is the Additional Identified Skills Shortage Payment, which offers small businesses up to $4,000 to hire apprentices from July 2019.
The incentive is targeting skill shortages in ten key industries, including:
- Carpenters and joiners
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- Bakers and Pastry Cooks
- Hairdressers
- Vehicle Painters
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics
- Wall and Floor Tilers
- Bricklayers and Stonemasons
Eligible employers will receive $2,000 at the 12 month point from commencement of the apprenticeship and an additional $2,000 at completion of the apprenticeship.
Eligible apprentices will also receive $1,000 12 months after commencing, and $1,000 at the completion of their apprenticeship.
The AISS payments will be additional to any payments the apprentice or employer may be eligible for under existing Australian Government programs.
To learn whether your business is eligible, download the AISS Information Sheet.