South Australian small businesses will be given additional State Government funding to hire new apprentices and trainees, as part of a $12 million skills package to boost local jobs.
The Skills for Business scheme offers small businesses up to $5000 for every new apprentice or trainee hired in SA on a paid training contract, as well as advice on how to address a business' skills and training needs and access subsidies.
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said this additional funding will help support the work that industry has already done under the $200 million Skilling South Australia program to deliver more and new skilled jobs for our transitioning economy.
The Marshall Liberal Government's new support package acknowledges the cost to small business of on-the-job training and would help local businesses 'grow their workforce, upskill and diversify'.
"This new support package will work in tandem with other key Government initiatives – such as the abolition of payroll tax for all small businesses – to lower costs, secure jobs and help drive the economy," Minister Pisoni said.
It also follows announcement of an immediate $350 million economic stimulus package in the wake of the ongoing impact of bushfires and the coronavirus.
"We know that many companies and sole traders benefit enormously from hiring an apprentice or a trainee to expand their business, bringing fresh ideas and energy into the workplace," Minister Pisoni said.
"This initiative provides a real kickstart for employers – particularly small businesses of 25 employees and under – with financial support to help offset the costs of employment, but also to ensure businesses are getting the right skills to support growth.
"It is also available for businesses that already have apprentices or trainees and are looking to hire more."
The State Government has also announced funding through the Group Training Boost, reducing the cost for employers to take on an apprentice through Group Training.
The Group Training Boost will also support the charge-out rate for a first-year apprentice, and provide further support to Group Training Organisations (GTOs) to encourage them to move into new markets, increase their business development capacity and deliver the skills needs of industry.
The additional funding support is available for a limited time and will apply to new paid training contracts signed by 31 August 2020.
For more information about the Skills for Business package and to apply for financial support to hire an apprentice, visit skills.sa.gov.au/support
