To assist with the recovery from the impact of COVID-19, the Australian Government is providing support to all employers who engage a new Australian Apprentice.

The $1.2 billion Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy will support businesses and Group Training Organisations to take on new apprentices and trainees, to build a pipeline of skilled workers to support sustained economic recovery.

Any businesses or Group Training Organisation that engages an Australian Apprentice on or after 5 October 2020 may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of wages paid to an apprentice between 5 October 2020 and 30 September 2021, to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter.

This assistance will support 100,000 new apprentices across Australia, and is in addition to the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy which is helping small and medium businesses to keep their apprentices and trainees in work and training.

For more information read the Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements fact sheet.

For further information on how to apply for the subsidy, including information on eligibility, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.

Additional information

Additional information regarding the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy – including maximum payment amounts – is provided in the Questions and Answers factsheet.

Final detailed eligibility requirements will be outlined in the program guidelines.

FIA involvement

The FIA is partnering with Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) to offer additional support to FIA members.

All FIA members can access Apprenticeship Support Australia's free services to assist you in signing up and Apprentice or Trainee. 

Download your pre-sign up assessment form below and follow up with ASA.

Pre-Assessment Form