Employers of apprentices in Australia could receive A$4,000 of incentives

Eligible employers of apprentices could receive A$4,000 (US$3,040) in payments: A$2,000 (US$1,520) at the 12th month mark from the start of an apprenticeship, and an additional A$2,000 once the attachment is completed. 

This comes as part of a move by the Australian government, which added monetary incentives to support up to 80,000 additional apprenticeships over five years as announced in the 2019-2020 Budget. 

This would apply to skilled roles that are currently in shortage, such as carpenters, plumbers, hairdressers, bakers and pastry cooks, plasterers, vehicle painters, bricklayers and stonemasons, air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics, wall and floor tilers, and arborists. 

The incentive also extends to eligible apprentices, who would receive A$1000 (US$760) a year after they start their apprenticeship, and a further A$1000 once they complete the full programme. 

Called the Additional Identified Skills Shortage (AISS), it is an additional payment to be made to the apprentice or employer, who may also be eligible for other forms of payments under the government.

READ: Australia’s November jobs soar, records 90,000 new employments

To qualify for the AISS, the apprentice must be newly employed by the business, and must have commenced a Certificate III or IV level qualification on or after July 1, 2019.