Up to $6,000 in financial support is now available to employers who take on a displaced apprentice or trainee as part of the McGowan Government's commitment to support apprentices and trainees during the State's COVID-19 recovery.
The new Apprenticeship and Traineeship Re-engagement Incentive provides employers with a one-off payment of $6,000 for hiring an apprentice and $3,000 for hiring a trainee.
Employers who take on an apprentice or trainee whose training contract was terminated on, or after, March 1, 2020, are eligible to receive the payment.
The incentive will help employers maintain a pipeline of skilled workers in Western Australia and is available until June 30, 2021 from the Department of Training and Workforce Development.
The financial boost for businesses follows the recent announcement by the State Government to cover the training costs for more than 3,000 apprentices and trainees, who have had their contracts cancelled or suspended, to continue their 'off the job' training for up to six months.
The incentives are supported by a new Out of Contract Register, available on the Jobs and Skills WA website, which helps apprentices and trainees who have been stood down to find a new employer.
The register provides employers with a quick search tool to find apprentices and trainees who are keen to continue their training.
For more information on the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Re-engagement Incentive, visit http://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/reengagementincentive or call the Apprenticeship Office Helpline on 13 19 54.
Further support is also available at TAFE Jobs and Skills Centres. These centres are located around the State to help with job search, resume assistance and interview tips. Free online resources include videos, a jobs board, and the new 'Career Connect' Facebook community.
To find out how a Jobs and Skills Centre can assist visit http://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/jobswa or call 13 64 64.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Having a pipeline of skilled workers is critical to the success of the State's recovery post COVID-19.
"We know that many apprentices and trainees have been doing it tough during this period, and as we continue the recovery process, we want to get them back into our workshops and back to work.
"By providing these financial incentives, we are backing our local businesses to take on displaced apprentices and trainees to ensure our future workers have the technical and practical skills to meet the immediate needs of the workforce."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"With up to $6,000 available to employers, now is the time to take on an apprentice or trainee.
"We are helping apprentices and trainees get back into work through providing financial incentives to businesses to build a skilled workforce."
