From the Australian Apprenticeship Pathways website. See the announcement here https://bit.ly/31xilKV

The Australian Government has announced a new program called 'Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements'. It is designed to assist job seekers into Australian Apprenticeship jobs, and to help employers take on new staff.

This program is part of the COVID-19 economic recovery. It is available across all industries and to businesses of all sizes.

Eligibility requirements for the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy have changed from Wednesday 28 October 2020.

These changes affect the eligibility of existing workers. The updated Department of Education, Skills and Employment Fact Sheet has the following information about these changes:

From 28 October 2020, your business or Group Training Organisation may be eligible to attract a subsidy for up to 30 existing workers who commence a non-trade Australian Apprenticeship on or after 28 October 2020 if they:

• move from casual employment to a part-time or full-time Australian Apprenticeship; or
• move from part-time employment to a full-time Australian Apprenticeship.

No limit will apply where the existing worker commences a trades-based Australian Apprenticeship.

For information on you or your staff member's eligibility, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider. To discuss how an Australian Apprenticeship might work for you, get in touch via or contact form or give us a call.

Apprenticeship & Traineeship Careers information may also be found at aapathways.com.au and mygain.com.au

A mobile app is available at ausapp.com.au

Austrain Academy would like to thank all of our employers and students for adapting to rapidly changing arrangements during this difficult time. It has been a steep learning curve for all of us, so thank you all for your patience and cooperation!

We have instituted strict social distancing and hygiene measures and limited class sizes for those students who need to attend face to face practical training sessions. Where possible, students are attending online training sessions and completing assessments remotely.

We are still taking enrolments for new students so please get in touch if you are thinking of completing some training.

Austrain Academy will continue to monitor the situation closely and take advice from NSW Health and other relevant government authorities to ensure we are responding to the situation appropriately. We will keep you informed of any changes to our operations.

If you are an apprentice or trainee, your training contract and training can continue for six months even if you don't have an employer. Please contact us if your employment situation changes or you have any questions.

Below are links to resources that may be helpful:

Please note - Austrain is providing this information only to support our students and employers and cannot facilitate applications etc on your behalf.

• The National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) is coordinating the re engagement of recently displaced apprentices and trainees with potential employers. https://naen.com.au/apprentice-and-trainee-re-engagement-register
• Training Services NSW can provide advice and assistance for employers and trainees and apprentices. https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/news/articles/covid-19/index.html or phone 13 28 11 to be directed to your nearest office.
• Financial support may be available for businesses and individuals - please see the following web pages:
  https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
  https://www.ato.gov.au/general/jobkeeper-payment
• Apprenticeship Support Australia for information for students & employers and potential subsidies for employers of trainees and apprentices http://www.apprenticeshipsupport.com.au/coronavirus-stimulus-package-announcement
• Health advice, statistics and testing information etc available at NSW Health website
• COVID-19 WHS industry guidance available https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces
• Department of Education, Skills and Employment provides information for employers, job seekers and VET providers https://www.dese.gov.au/covid-19

If you have any questions or concerns or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Further congratulations to our talented Student Summer Carson.

Summer has been selected as a finalist in the ”Proud to be a Chef" competition for 2020.

We wish her every success in this competition and in this industry.

Summer is one of a select group of finalist as this competition received over 500 entries.

We will have further information on the 2021 competition later this year.

Congratulations to our talented student Summer whose consistent hard work has paid off!

Summer is an apprentice chef at the Illawarra Master Builders Club and with the support of her employer, has recently been awarded the 2019 Chef's Table Apprentice Award from Clubs NSW.

You clearly have a very bright future in this industry. We're proud of you!