$19.6M extension announced for apprentice wage subsidies

The WA Government has announced a $19.6 million extension to the Group Training Organisation Wage Subsidy Program, supporting an additional 330 places over four years. The program is designed to assist eligible small to medium enterprises working on government building and construction projects, and non-government residential construction projects, by providing access to apprentices and trainees employed through Group Training Organisations.

The announced additional places include:

• 205 places subsidised at a 50% rate;
• 75 places subsidised at a 75% rate; and
• 50 places for women in electrical trades, also subsidised at a 75% rate.

At this stage, the third funding stream for women in electrical trades has been announced, but the full program detail has not yet been released.

EGT understands this stream is intended to support more women to commence apprenticeships in electrical trades, with 50 places announced at a 75% subsidy rate. However, the final eligibility criteria, application process, timing, and payment arrangements are still to be confirmed by the State Government. Once further information is available, EGT will provide host employers with a clear update on what the stream entails, who may be eligible, and how the funding can be accessed through eligible EGT apprentice placements.

The GTO Wage Subsidy covers approximately the average estimated award wage for eligible apprentices and trainees in the building and construction sector. It does not cover superannuation, leave, other allowances, overtime, or over-award payments. Where EGT receives eligible government funding for a hosted apprentice or trainee, EGT will apply that funding to reduce the cost to the host employer, subject to program rules, eligibility, and final funding confirmation.

There is also separate support available through the Jobs and Skills WA Adult Apprenticeship Employer Incentive. This program provides financial assistance for eligible adult apprentices aged 21 and over who commence in approved Priority Start occupations in the building and construction sector.

For a standard four-year apprenticeship, eligible funding may be worth up to $26,800, paid across commencement, midpoint, and completion milestones. Additional funding may also be available for eligible apprentices from priority cohorts, including women and Aboriginal persons. The Adult Apprenticeship Employer Incentive and the GTO Wage Subsidy are separate programs. In some cases, eligibility for one program may affect access to another. EGT will work with host employers to identify the most suitable available funding pathway for eligible apprentice placements.

These funding opportunities may be particularly relevant for host employers working on eligible government building and construction projects, non-government residential construction projects, or businesses considering taking on an adult apprentice or a woman commencing in an electrical trade.

Host employers who are interested in taking on an eligible apprentice, or who would like to discuss how the available funding may apply to their business, are encouraged to contact EGT’s placements team.

Contact placements@egt.net.au or call 6241 6172 for more information.