The Federal Government is hoping to double the number of mature-aged workers undertaking apprenticeships with its new financial incentives program, Support for Mid-Career Apprentices.
Under some current industrial arrangements, employers are required to maintain the existing wage of an employee who undertakes an apprenticeship, and other employers are forced to pay an adult apprenticeship rate when the worker is over 21.
As part of the government’s Skills for the Future Package, the new mid-career incentive will make adult apprenticeships more attractive to employers by subsidising wage costs for apprentices over the age of 30. The incentive may also be paid directly to the apprentice to boost their income.
Employers and apprentices will be eligible for $150 per week during the first year of the apprenticeship, then $100 per week
in the second year.
The new financial incentive will be available to 10,000 employed adults who require support to start a Certificate III or IV level apprenticeship. Older workers who are in their first or second year of an apprenticeship will also be eligible for the payments.
The program commences July 1. Visit www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au for more information.
