The government has extended and expanded the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy to include medium-sized businesses.
The Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy was introduced by the Australian Government in August as part of their economic response to COVID-19. Previously, only small businesses were eligible to claim the wage subsidy.
The government is now extending and expanding the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy to include medium-sized businesses who had an apprentice in place on 1 July, 2020.
Eligible small and medium business employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of an eligible apprentice or trainee’s wages, paid from 1 July, 2020 to 31 March, 2021.
Subsidies will also be available to any employer who re-engages an eligible apprentice that was displaced by an eligible small or medium business.
Employers should note that final claims for payment must be lodged by 30 June, 2021.