COVID-19
Workforce
ECEC trainees benefit from Government intervention to remain on the job
Freya Lucas
May 12, 2020
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Those holding traineeships in early childhood education and care (ECEC) are amongst the more than 22,000 apprentices and trainees who remain ‘on the job’ thanks to support from the Federal Government’s Supporting Apprentices and Trainees measure, launched 2 April 2020.
More than $100 million has been paid to almost 13,000 employers who host apprentices and trainees since the launch, which Federal Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator Michaelia Cash, said acknowledges the vital role apprentices and trainees play in Australia’s ongoing economic growth and in building a sustainable future workforce.“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the Australian economy. This support measure ensures employers can keep their apprentices and trainees despite the economic setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Cash said.
Under the measure employers receive a wage subsidy which covers 50 per cent of wages paid to apprentices and trainees. Subsidies will cover wages paid from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020 and businesses will be reimbursed up to $7,000 per quarter, up to a maximum of $21,000, per eligible employee.
The support package is part of the broader economic response to COVID-19 put forward by the Federal Government. The wage subsidy is available to small businesses that employ fewer than 20 employees and retain their Australian apprentice or trainee. In addition, employers of any size and Group Training Organisations that re-engage an eligible out of trade apprentice or trainee are also eligible.
For those apprentices and trainees who have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, support and connection to new work and training is available through the new Apprentice and Trainee Re-engagement Register.
Further information on how to apply for the subsidy, including information on eligibility, is available on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website and the Australian Apprenticeships website.
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