Apprentices and trainees from small businesses who recently lost their jobs are now able to connect with prospective employers to explore ongoing work, through a new national service launched recently.

The Apprentice and Trainee Re-engagement Register will support apprentices and trainees displaced as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, by connecting them with a network of employers across the country.

The register enables apprentices and trainees who were in a training contract with a small business at March 1 to upload details such as qualifications, work experience and resumes.

Employers of any size, including Group Training Organisations, are able to register their details and post a vacancy for an apprentice or trainee.

Employers who re-engage apprentices or trainees displaced from a small business may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage, under the government’s Supporting Apprentices and Trainees initiative.

The register is hosted by the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) and supported by the Australian Government, as part of the economic response to the coronavirus.

“This will give apprentices and trainees a chance to retain their skills and safeguard their livelihoods by gaining access to businesses where they can have a fresh start and be reemployed,” Chief Executive Officer of NAEN Dianne Dayhew said

“For employers, it is a great opportunity to engage an apprentice or trainee who comes with existing training and employment experience under their belt,” Ms Dayhew said.

NAEN will be working closely with State Training Authorities, Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) providers, employers, GTOs and the Commonwealth to ensure that apprentices and trainees have the very best chance of staying in work and completing their training.

Click here to view the Apprentice and Trainee Re-engagement Register.