Local councils employing eligible out-of-trade apprentices and trainees may be eligible for a 50 per cent wage subsidy under a new Commonwealth employment initiative.
At the Federal Government’s request, the National Apprentice Employment Network began operating the Apprentice and Trainee Re-engagement Register in April to enable recently laid-off apprentices and trainees to link up with employers with vacancies.
Employers (including councils) who engage apprentices or trainees from the register may be eligible for a wage subsidy equal to 50 per cent of the apprentice or trainee’s wage.
NAEN Chief Executive Dianne Dayhew said that although the local government sector was not eligible for the JobKeeper program, there was no such issue with the apprentice re-engagement subsidy.
“It is a great opportunity for councils to take on apprentices and trainees because there is a significant financial benefit, and they are getting someone who has begun their training and is job-ready,” Ms Dayhew said.
Councils wishing to discuss the national register contact NAEN at support@naen.com.au