Have you taken advantage of the key NSW initiatives to boost business and apprenticeships?

As of 1 July 2018, the NSW Government has introduced new a ‘fee-free’ apprenticeships program, which will remove upfront training costs for both apprentices and employers under the Smart and Skilled Program. These changes ensure that employers across the state have every opportunity to skill the staff they need for a successful business.

Changes made to help address skills shortages in NSW:
The NSW Government has pledged to invest $285 million over six years to fund qualification fees for 100,000 new apprentices across a range of skill specifications. This means that young people wanting to take on an apprenticeship don’t have to pay upfront fees, and employers can save on costs that they would otherwise spend on reimbursing their apprentices.

Additionally, NSW State Budget will lift the Payroll Tax threshold to $1 million, making it easier and more affordable to hire staff - fuelling job creation and allowing businesses to take on more apprentices and trainees.

This initiative will:

1. Save employers from paying up front training costs of an apprentice - up to $2,000.
2. Removing upfront fees for apprentices who will later be reimbursed by employers.
3. Improve living costs for apprentices, which will in turn support apprentices and trainees and to engage them with industry and employers across the nation.

How it will work?
The NSW Department of Industry will pay the student fee of any apprentice commencing their apprenticeship with an approved Smart and Skilled provider on or after 1 July 2018, with the fee paid directly to the training provider.

Are you eligible?
Fee-free training is available to NSW apprentices, including school-based apprentices, whose training commenced on or after 1 July 2018.

These changes will be instrumental in helping to curtail the skills shortage that is impacting metropolitan, regional and remote NSW by encouraging apprentices to take advantage of the current infrastructure boom across the state. An increase in the number of people undertaking apprenticeships and traineeships will generate a more competitive state of young, skilled workers who are ready to take on the future world of work.

The skills sector is a cornerstone of both Australia and NSW’s economic success, productivity and growth. With trades leading the top ten occupations in demand for the future workforce, these new support schemes are a timely solution for businesses, young people and the Australian economy.

If you would like to find out more about how these changes can help your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch with James.Moran@apprenticeshipsupport.com.au or calling us on 1300 363 831

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