There are numerous benefits to taking on trainees and apprentices; in addition to significant financial incentives currently available.

The number one benefit for employers is the opportunity to train new team members in the ways of your particular work environment, without having concerns regarding previous workplace experiences.  Hands on experience while they learn – trainees will receive support and teamwork that a positive work culture creates.

Trainees can provide consistency in the service, working across a number of different age groups while gaining valuable skills and experience and covering other staff & leave. Following 2020, Australians have indicated they are rethinking their career paths. In this context, the opportunity to train up new candidates and build on the professional skill sets in your existing team,  is therefore greater than ever before.

Another advantage of implementing a traineeship program; is a clear progression pathway for those who are interested in ‘moving up the ranks’.   Having a career path from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma, from ECE educator to Teacher and Nominated Supervisor, can ensure that incoming trainees feel confident they are investing in a solid, reliable and professional career path in the early learning sector. 

Further, employing trainees, allow employers to take advantage of the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) wage-subsidy program.  This program was implemented to assist with the recovery from the impact of COVID-19; with the Australian Government providing support to all employers, who employ a trainee or apprentice, to build a pipeline of skilled workers to support sustained economic recovery.

Any business that engages an Australian Apprentice before September 2021, may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of wages paid to an apprentice, to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter. The wage subsidy initiative will be paid for a full 12 month period. 

Educators studying for their Certificate III and/or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care will be eligible under the scheme, according to the BAC fact sheet found here. 

The subsidy is not available for trainees/apprentices receiving any other form of Australian Government wage subsidy e.g. Supporting Apprentices and Trainees, JobKeeper Payment or JobMaker Hiring Credit.

For more information about taking on one or more trainees and how to apply for the BAC wage subsidy, contact one of the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Providers that services your state.

Alternatively, contact Venture Education training@venture.edu.au or 1300037000 for assistance.