We are cutting the small business tax rate and reducing red tape at the federal level to allow them to grow and create more jobs. In communities like ours, small business plays a vital role, from giving young Australians their first real job to supporting our charities and sporting organisations. Through this incentive we are securing the skills our regional and rural businesses need to remain competitive and give our students new opportunities at home.

From January 1, 2019, the new subsidy under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program will support eligible apprentices in areas such as plumbing, mechanical, electrical, painting trades and hairdressing. 

A VET qualification is every bit as important to the economy as a university degree. Our investment in the Skilling Australians Fund, alongside the state government, is vital to create thousands of additional pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships. Under the subsidy, eligible employers will be able to receive payments based on the apprentice’s relevant award wage rates. Subsidies will be provided at 75 per cent of the apprentice’s award wage in the first year, 50 per cent in the second year and 25 per cent in the third year. The investment is part of our commitment to maintain a strong vocational education and training sector that delivers the quality skilled workforce our community needs.

The subsidy will complement other incentives available through the AAIP and support the engagement of eligible new full-time apprentices at the Certificate III and IV levels in occupations on the National Skills Needs List in regional and rural communities.