July 3, 2020
Small business apprentices and trainees who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been advised to consider local councils when they want to rejoin the workforce.
Councils weren’t eligible for the JobKeeper program but a new Federal Government scheme will allow local governments to claim a 50 per cent wage subsidy for hiring apprentices and trainees.
The National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) began operating the Apprentice and Trainee Re-engagement Register in April at the Federal Government’s request.
The Register allows recently laid-off apprentices and trainees to link up with employers who have vacancies.
Employers (including councils) who engage apprentices or trainees from the Register may then be eligible for a wage subsidy equal to 50 per cent of the apprentice or trainee’s wage.
NAEN CEO Dianne Dayhew said that although the local government sector was not eligible for JobKeeper, 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,” Ms Dayhew said.
- External link: Apprentice and Trainee Re-Engagement Register
