Government offers $4000 apprenticeship incentive

Employers and the new apprentices that they hire in ten national skills shortage occupations may now be eligible for the Additional Indentified Skills Shortage (AISS) Payment.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator Michaelia Cash said the scheme had the aim of creating and supporting up to 80,000 new apprenticeships over five years.

"The AISS will deliver up to $4000 in support to elibible employers and $2000 to new apprentices" Minister Cash said.

The Government's new incentive targets the following occupations with critical skills shortages:

• carpenters and joiners
• plasterers
• plumbers
• hairdressers
• bakers and pastry cooks
• wall and floor tilers
• arborists
• vehicle painters
• airconditioning and refrigeration mechanics
• bricklayers and stonemasons

Minister Cash has also confirmed that phase two of the Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy trial is now open.

This trial provides support to employers in the first three years of an Australian Apprenticeship, offering 75% of the first year award wage, 50% for the second year award wage and 25% for the third year award wage.

She confirmed that they would also be "lowering the age for eligibility for the Support for Adult Australian Apprentices incentive from 25 to 21 years for apprentices", explaining that the incentive payment of $4000 would be available to eligible employers of an adult Australian Apprentice once the apprentice had successfully completed 12 months of training.

The full eligibility requirements for the AISS can be accessed through Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers.

Last updated: 20th September 2019