Apprentices and trainees 2020 – December quarter released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) provides a national picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity, including both quarterly and annual figures that can be broken down by state and territory. It also includes information on the main movements across various demographic and occupational categories.
According to the research report, both trade and non-trade commencements increased from the December 2019 quarter by 123.5% and 155.3% respectively. The largest absolute increase among trade occupations was in Construction trade workers with numbers increasing by 4510. Among non-trade occupations, the largest increase was in Clerical and Administrative Workers with an increase of 8820.
The industries with the largest absolute increases in commencements were Construction, Accommodation, and Manufacturing.
The huge increase in commencements coincides with the Australian Government’s Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements initiative, an initiative introduced as part of the economic recovery package.
Under the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements initiative, businesses can be eligible for up to $7,000 per quarter and a potential maximum amount of $28,000 for the 12 months, contributing 50% towards the wages of each new apprentice or trainee in their workplace.
According to NCVER Managing Director, Simon Walker “Apprentice and trainee commencements for the December quarter is at a five-year high and is a dramatic increase from the same quarter in 2019. This coincides with the introduction of the Australian Government’s Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy.
Compared with the December quarter 2019, there were increases across all major occupational groups and industry sectors”.
Managing Director of BUSY At Work, Paul Miles, said “BUSY At Work is one of the largest and longest-serving Australian Apprenticeship Support Services providers and we’ve been supporting businesses to submit their claims under this scheme. We’re working hard to fulfil our mission of placing more people into employment and skills training and assist Australia towards economic recovery”.
Quick Facts about the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement Scheme
- Available for apprentice or trainee commencements or recommencements between 5 October 2020 and 31st March 2022.
- 50% wage subsidy, up to $7,000 per quarter for wages paid for a 12-month period from date of commencement/recommencement.
- Final claims must be lodged by 31 December 2022.
Further information regarding this incentive and other available incentives can be found HERE
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work
Ph: 0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au
