Hiring a new apprentice can be an expensive exercise and every business should explore government incentives that can help.

The Federal Government’s Boosting Apprenticeships Commencement wage subsidy can be a real help. But there are only a few months left until it runs out.

The BAC wage subsidy provides employers with 12 months of wage subsidy support.

The subsidy has been extended until 30 June 2022.

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Any business that receives the BAC wage subsidy will also then be eligible for extended support through the Completing Apprenticeship Commencements (CAC) wage subsidy for the second and third year of a BAC-supported apprenticeship.

Any employer who takes on an apprentice or trainee up until 30 June 2022 can gain access to:

• 50 per cent of the eligible Australian apprentice’s wages in the first year, capped at a maximum payment value of $7,000 per quarter per Australian apprentice,
• 10 per cent of the eligible Australian apprentice’s wages in the second year, capped at a maximum payment value of $1,500 per quarter per Australian apprentice, and
• 5 per cent of the eligible Australian apprentice’s wages in the third year, capped at a maximum payment value of $750 per quarter per Australian apprentice.

Find out more here

Employers may also be able to access the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.

The program includes a range of financial incentives employers to offer apprenticeship opportunities such as a living away from home allowance to apprentices who need to move away from their parent’s home to take up or retain an Australian apprenticeship.

The incentive payments are based on a skill shortages list of trades as well as a set of high-priority occupations. As of April 2022, general and specialist electrician apprenticeships are included in the program.

The incentive payments to employers are based on the apprenticeship certificate level completed.

Most incentive payments are one-off and paid annually at the end of the year. Payments range from $750 to $4000, depending on the incentive.

Find out more here

If you need help with hiring or understanding apprenticeship support grants, speak to the expert team at Add Staff. Add Staff’s apprenticeship recruitment services are developed specifically for the trades and services industries, ensuring your business gets the best talent. Visit the Add Staff Apprenticeships Hub here.