16 July 2020

 The Federal Government announced late on Wednesday night that they are committing $2.5 billion to a new stimulus training program aimed at retaining, up-skilling and opening new job opportunities.

Employees

The package is focusing on job seekers and school leavers, with an additional 340,700 training places to be created to provide minimal or no cost courses into sectors with job opportunities during the recession. Working closely with State and Territory governments, the Federal government is developing a list of skills and qualifications to be covered by the program.

Employers

Under JobTrainer, the number of businesses that can access the 50% apprentice wage subsidy has expanded, in addition to an extension on the subsidy until 31 Mar4ch 2021. Businesses with under 200 employees can access the subsidy for apprentices employed from 1 July 2020.

Under the package, the federal government will reimburse 50% of an eliglble apprentices wage, up to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter per apprentice.

Jobtrainer v jobkeeper: Can you have both?

Short answer, no.

An employer will not be eligible to claim the apprentice wage subsidy for any period where they choose to claim the JobKeeper payment for the same apprentice.

An employer or Group Training Organisation will not be eligible for the JobKeeper payment where the employer is in receipt of an Australian Government wage subsidy for the same Australian Apprentice (for example Supporting Apprentices and Trainees and the Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy).

Eligibility

Small business

  • Employ fewer than 20 people; or

  • A small business with fewer than 20 people, using a Group Training Organisation; and

  • The apprentice or trainee was undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship with you on 1 July 2020 for claims after this date. Claims prior to 1 July 2020, will continue to be based on the 1 March 2020 eligibility date.

Claims open now.

Medium business

  • Employ 199 people or fewer; or

  • A medium sized business with 199 people or fewer, using a Group Training Organisation; and

  • The apprentice or trainee was undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship with you on 1 July 2020.

Claims open 1 October.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us here.