The Commonwealth Government has extended its Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) wage subsidy program which lets people claim up to a 50% wage rebate, up to $28,000 per new employee plus upskilling.

The Australian Government is providing support to all eligible employers who engage a new Australian apprentice as part of its efforts to assist with the financial recovery from COVID-19.

Employees can be any age, any experience and already have previous qualifications (even University ones) so this is not just for young people starting out.

Applications are time sensitive, as the program finishes at the end of March and staff need to be registered before the end of January. Registration can take between 4-6 weeks.

How does the BAC program work and who is eligible:

• Unlimited people per company can participate – as long as they meet the requirements
• Available for all businesses of all sizes and within all states
• Eligible people: Australian citizens, NZ citizens, permanent residents and those on their way to PR
• Employees can be any age, any experience and already have previous qualifications (even university ones)
• Employer receives a Federal 50% wage rebate up to $28,000 per person in quarterly instalments (4 x $7,000)
• Employer pays for the approved course
• Register your employees as a “New Worker Trainee” in an approved course.
• Get in touch with your local RTO, GTO or TAFE to see what courses they have available

For more information, visit this website.