New Stimulus Package announced - are you eligible?

18 Mar 2020

The Australian Government has recently announced a range of financial benefits to help small and medium businesses in light of coronavirus (COVID-19). This stimulus package includes 50% wage subsidies for around 117,000 Australian apprentices and trainees. Read on to find out if you're eligible and what benefits you might receive.

Am I eligible?

Wage assistance will be available to businesses who:

• Currently employ and retain an apprentice or trainee
• Have less than 20 full-time employees
• Large businesses and Group Training Organisations may also be eligible for these benefits if they employ an out-of-trade apprentice who has been in-training with a small business as of 1 March 2020

What benefits are available?

This stimulus package includes 50% wage subsidies for around 117,000 Australian apprentices and trainees. It is available for wages paid since January 1 2020 and will be available up to September 30 this year. Employers may receive up to $21,000 per eligible apprentice or trainee – or $7000 per quarter.

What to do if you think you’re eligible.

The stimulus package is focused on keeping businesses operational during this challenging time. This includes subsidising 50% of apprentices’ and trainees’ wages for nine months.

Eligible businesses with less than 20 full-time employees will be able to register for the subsidy from April 2, 2020.

To check your eligibility, contact your local apprenticeship experts MEGT on 13 6348 or email anpinfo@megt.com.au