August 2013 Economic Statement - changes to the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program
Today the Treasurer, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, announced the Government’s decision to continue refocusing the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program to target Australian Government incentives to areas of highest need in the economy and ensure the greatest efficiency of available funding.
This change, that comes into effect on 3 August 2013, will cease the standard completion incentives payment of $3000 to employers engaging existing workers as apprentices or trainees in non-priority occupations. Eligible employers will continue to receive the payment where the apprenticeship commenced up to 2 August 2013.
Employer incentives will be retained for all new workers (defined as having been employed for less than three months), existing workers who are undertaking qualifications which lead to an occupation on the National Skills Needs List (NSNL) and existing workers who are in the aged care, child care, disability care and enrolled nursing sectors.
Under the new arrangement, disability care workers will be included on the priority occupations list at all levels, effective 1 July 2013. This is consistent with exemptions for other care workers announced as part of MYEFO and aligns with the introduction of the DisabilityCare Australia. The intention is to continue support for workers in the disability sector where it is expected there will be increased demand.
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