The Australian Government has announced an extension to the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) wage subsidy for new apprentices and trainees who are signed up before September 30 this year.

The wage subsidy, which was previously capped at 100,000 places, is now uncapped and applies to all eligible employers who sign up an apprentice or trainee before September 30, 2021.

The subsidy provides up to 50 per cent of gross wages paid, to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter, for each eligible new or recommencing apprentice or trainee in the 12-month period from the date of commencement or recommencement. It applies to businesses regardless of size, industry or geographic location.

The Australian and South Australian Governments provide number of skills and training incentives to help businesses maximise the benefits of employing skilled people following the impact of COVID-19. Visit skills.sa.gov.au.