Employers in South Australia’s regional and rural areas are being encouraged to take part in a new government subsidy scheme offering generous support towards the costs of employing apprentices.

The Minister for Industry and Skills, David Pisoni said he has written letters to all regional councils and Regional Development Australia (RDA) outlining the benefits of the Federal Government $60 million regional wage subsidy trial.

“Eligible employers will be able to receive payments based on their apprentice’s relevant award wage rates, which will be 75 per cent in the first year and scaled down in the following two years,” he said.

“This subsidy under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program (AAIP), will support eligible new apprentices in areas such as plumbing, mechanical, electrical, painting trades and hairdressing.

“Businesses across regional South Australia should take advantage of this incentive to tap into the skills of local students and provide opportunities for them closer to their homes.”

The Member for Stuart, Dan van Holst Pellekaan MP said the subsidy will not only help create more than 100 new apprenticeships in South Australia but address skill shortages for small business in regional areas.

“It is imperative that we support employment and skills growth in our electorate and across regional South Australia,” Mr van Holst Pellekaan said.

“I strongly encourage employers to consider this opportunity, which will provide a much needed boost to our regional economy.”

Minister Pisoni said this program will support Skilling South Australia and its target to create an additional 20,800 apprentices and trainees while also strengthening the vocational education and training (VET) sector.

“This program is ensuring that business is being supported through a skilled workforce, thanks to a four-year $203 million commitment from both the Federal and State Governments to achieve this target,” he said.

“The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to creating more jobs and building a competitive, dynamic economy by ensuring our state has the skills needed by industry now and into the future, for South Australia’s growth and prosperity.”

The Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program commences on 1 January 2019. For more information visit www.vet.skills.sa.gov.au or phone the dedicated advisory hotline on 1800 673 097.