The Morrison Government last week expanded its targeted wage subsidy program to help create job opportunities for apprentices and trainees across Australia.

As part of its National Economic Recovery Plan, the government’s Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy program became fully subscribed, helping to create 100,000 apprenticeships in less than five months.

The Program will now become demand driven and expanded for a full 12 months for new apprentices and trainees signed up prior to 30 September 2021.

It is estimated that this demand driven expansion will generate around 70,000 new apprentice and trainee places, with the Government investing around $1.2 billion.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that while last week’s National Accounts showed the comeback of the Australian economy is underway, many businesses still need support and it’s important our apprentices and trainees get opportunities to boost their skills and stay employed.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash said the subsidy extension would help more people into jobs and follows the scheme assisting almost 40,000 businesses to take on a new Australian apprentice or trainee.

The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements was one of the COVID-19 skills measures announced as part of the $4 billion in apprentice wage subsidies.

The Morrison Government is providing record levels of support to the vocational education and training sector in 2020-21, which is not only helping rebuild our economy but preparing for the future.

This includes the $1 billion JobTrainer Fund, which is supporting more than 300,000 additional free or low-fee training places for job seekers and young people.