Funding for small business training support

Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy

The Federal Government has announced an extension to the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) wage subsidy for new apprentices and trainees who are signed up before September 30th this year.

The wage subsidy, which was previously capped at 100,000 places, is now uncapped and applies to all eligible employers who sign up an apprentice or trainee before September 30th 2021.

The subsidy provides up to 50 per cent of gross wages paid, to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter, for each eligible new or recommencing apprentice or trainee in the 12-month period from the date of commencement or recommencement. It applies to businesses regardless of size, industry, or geographic location.

Employers already registered, by signing up a new apprentice or trainee post 5 October 2020, will now receive up to 50 per cent of gross wages paid for the full first year.

BAC applies to apprentices or trainees who are undertaking a Certificate II or higher qualification and has a training contract that is formally approved by the state training authority.

The funding for training is relevant to businesses and employees who are: 

1. New staff (employed within the last 3 months)

2. Employees who are permanent employees only, either:

   1. Full time

   2. Part time – over 20 hours per week

3. Australian Permanent Residents