The cost and risk of taking on an apprentice has been reduced for civil contractors thanks to the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment
The Key Apprenticeship Program Employer Incentive has begun, offering eligible employers up to $5,000 for a full-time apprenticeship and $2,500 for a part-time apprenticeship in the first year of an apprenticeship.
The scheme is aimed at employers offering apprenticeships within the clean energy and housing sectors and the apprentice must be undertaking a qualification at the Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level listed on the Priority List and identified as new energy or housing construction qualification.
Under the Key Apprenticeship Program, eligible Australian Apprentices can claim up to $10,000 for a full-time apprentice and up to $5,000 for a part-time apprentice.
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“The number one challenge every builder or tradie is facing around the country is skills shortages and without the workers, the homes Australia needs will remain a pipe dream,” HIA managing director Jocelyn Martin says.
“The current Keeping Apprenticeship Program (KAP) has been a key tool to help address apprentice attraction and retention in a highly competitive jobs market.
“HIA strongly advocated on the need for targeted milestone payments throughout an apprenticeship to support higher retention and completion rates and it is pleasing to see the successful KAP scheme extended.
“The Priority Hiring Incentive is even more important. Without an employer, there is no apprentice, and the continuation of current financial incentives are invaluable in helping the construction industry to access more workers.
“Employer incentives are strategic investments that underpin the entire apprenticeship system. Without businesses willing to employ and train apprentices, there is no system.”