“Today’s (October 4 2020) announcement that the Australian Government will inject a further $1.2 billion into helping new and existing apprentices get a leg up in these difficult times responds to HIA’s call to ensure the class of 2020 are not left behind,” said HIA Managing Director, Graham Wolfe.
“The extension of the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees (SAT) wage subsidy to cover 50 per cent of an apprentice or trainee wage, up to $7,000 a quarter, for any business that takes on a new apprentice from tomorrow, provides a great incentive for students looking at building trades as a future pathway.
“As we reach the end of 2020 and students are considering their next step in 2021, an apprenticeship in residential building, which has remained open for business throughout COVID, should be seen as a real opportunity.
“The $2.8 billion already provided under this wage subsidy has made a real difference for the housing industry and has supported the majority of our existing apprentices continue their study and training this year.
“Retaining apprentices in the building trades next year will underpin the need for a steady supply of skilled trades people over the next stage of the home building cycle.
“As JobKeeper and other incentives reach a conclusion businesses may have been challenged to keep on their existing trainees and apprentices. Equally taking on a new apprentice may have seemed like a significant hurdle.
“We know that employment incentives work – the first two tranches of SAT and JobKeeper have shown this. Today’s (October 4 2020) announcement is as a sensible and targeted approach to supporting the class of 2020 and those businesses that continue to operate in these challenging times and support Australia economic recovery.
“This new assistance will mean that not only are apprentices kept in the jobs they have today, but new apprentices can find work, businesses can continue to build and Australia can maintain a healthy level of skilled tradespeople into the future,” concluded Mr Wolfe.
Source: HIA