More apprentices and their employers will have access to support after the announcement the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List will be expanded.
The expansion from 71-111 qualifying apprenticeships will allow for more to access to the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System which handles direct payments to apprentices and wage subsidies for employers.
Master Builders Australia CEO Shaun Schmitke approved of the expansion and its effort to address shortages in the industry.
“There’s been an addition of eight new occupations in building and construction added to the list taking it to 47 in total,” he said.
“The Federal Government has heard the cries of builders in recent months who have been grappling with labour shortages.
“Wage subsidies can be the difference between choosing to hire or not hire an apprentice. Eligible employers will be able to access a 10 per cent reimbursement of the first and second year apprentice wages and a five per cent reimbursement of third year wages.”
In addition to the apprentices added to the priority list, 28 occupations were also made eligible for the New Energy Apprenticeship Support Fund.
The fund allows for select apprentices to received five $2000 payments across their course.
“The industry will need around 470,000 new workers to offset an ageing population and meet demand for housing over the next few years and replace workers that leave the industry,” Schmitke said.
“This is a meaningful step and we hope to see more efforts around improving recruitment to trades.”