The Government has announced that its apprenticeship wage subsidy plan will be extended. The plan will cover 50 percent of new employee wages.

The $1.2 billion scheme is predicted to create 70,000 new apprenticeship jobs.

In October 2020, the Government guaranteed to cover 100,000 apprenticeships, which were all taken up within five months.

According to the Prime Minister, this budget has been expanded to ensure the program is demand-driven.

“This will ensure an apprenticeship place is there for any Australian and every business who wants one as our economy recovers,” Morrison said.

Government statistics show that almost 40,000 businesses have taken on the program. The initiative has supported more than 8,000 bricklayers, 6,000 electricians, and almost 11,000 people in retail and hospitality work.

“With 100,00 new apprenticeship positions already snapped up, it highlights the confidence businesses have in the future of the Australian economy,” Morrison said.

The plan will allow any trainee to register for assistance up until 30 September 2021.

Morrison hopes to enhance opportunities for all working Australians, following the impacts of the pandemic.

“Creating jobs, generating economic opportunities, and boosting the skills of workers right across Australia are at the heart of our national economic recovery plan, as we build back from the Covid-19 recession,” he said.

Photo: P365-157-Tradie Packs Up.Unaware by Jake Harris available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.