Regional Development Australia Orana
(RDAO) welcomes the Federal Government’s
extension to the Boosting Apprenticeship
Commencements (BAC) wage subsidy
which will assist business owners across
the region.
RDAO Director for Regional Development
Megan Dixon said under the scheme, employers
who sign up an apprentice or trainee before
the end of September will be eligible for up to
50 per cent of gross wages to a maximum of
$7,000 per quarter.
“We have known for a long time that there is
a critical labour supply shortage in the Orana
region and we work tirelessly to overcome
workforce shortages,” Mrs Dixon said.
“RDA Orana supports the government’s push
for more apprentice and trainee positions and
welcomes the financial incentive to employers.
“One of the strategies that we believe can
work for business is the concept of ‘growing
your own’ by employing trainees and apprentices
in your business,” Mrs Dixon explained.
“There are also not enough women in apprenticeships,
particularly after female-dominant
sectors were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mrs Dixon said mature age or career change
applicants are also encouraged to apply for
apprenticeships.