More than 115 displaced apprentices and trainees have already returned to work within a month of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Re-engagement Incentive being launched.
The $4.8 million scheme gets apprentices and trainees, whose training was cancelled or terminated, re-engaged in training while supporting employers by providing one-off payments of $6,000 for apprentices and $3,000 for trainees.
The initiative, rolled out on July 2, 2020, is seeing strong uptake from the building and construction, automotive and electrical industries, with more than 100 employers accessing the scheme to date.
The incentive has also seen more than 20 apprentice hairdressers and barbers re-start their training since it was introduced a few weeks ago.
Available until June 30, 2021, the incentive is supported by a new Out of Contract Register, available on the Jobs and Skills WA website, which helps apprentices and trainees who have been stood down to find a new employer.
The register provides employers with a quick search tool to find apprentices and trainees who are keen to continue their training.
It is part of the State Government’s $229.2 million Rebuilding our TAFEs plan, which will provide more training and reskilling opportunities to boost Western Australians’ job and career prospects and boost the WA economy by generating jobs.
For more information on the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Re-engagement Incentive, visit https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/reengagementincentive or call the Apprenticeship Office Helpline on 13 19 54.
Further support is also available at TAFE Jobs and Skills Centres, which are located around the State to help with job searches, resume assistance and interview tips. Free online resources include videos, a jobs board, and the new ‘Career Connect’ Facebook community.
To find out how a Jobs and Skills Centre can assist, visit https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/jobswa or call 13 64 64.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“The McGowan Government’s Apprenticeship and Traineeship Re-engagement Incentive is helping employers to engage apprentices and trainees displaced by COVID-19 to continue their training and stay in jobs.
“This is a $4.8 million investment in the future of Western Australia and it’s fantastic to see strong uptake just four weeks in to the scheme.
“Maintaining a pipeline of skilled workers will ensure we are well positioned to bounce back as our State’s economy recovers.”
