$43 million skills and training boost

12 November, 2020

Jeremy Rockliff MP

2020-21 Budget: $43 million skills and training boost

The 2020-21 State Budget is set to create jobs, bolster confidence and invest in our community with more than $43 million to boost jobs for apprentices, trainees and youth employees in Tasmania.

It has never been more important to ensure Tasmania has the skilled workforce needed to support our economy as we rebuild together from the impacts of COVID-19.

This $43 million skills and training package will give Tasmanian businesses the confidence to take on more apprentices, trainees and young people ensuring we’re training the next generation of Tasmanian workers.

This State Budget will provide $10.5 million towards the Australian Government’s $21 million JobTrainer Fund, delivering up to 7,000 additional training placements for Tasmanians.

JobTrainer provides fee-free, nationally-recognised training in sectors with an identified need for more skilled workers and will make a difference for industries and displaced workers affected by COVID-19.

In addition to this, we have committed over $22 million to further drive job creation for apprentices, trainees and youth employees.  We will do this by;

• Extending the current payroll tax rebate for all youth employees for a further 18 months;
• Extending the current payroll tax rebate for apprentices and trainees for a further 12 months; and
• Extending both rebates to all industry sectors.

The Targeted Apprentice and Trainee Grant for Small Business will also be extended to include any small business who employs an apprentice or trainee until 30 June 2022.

Combined, these new initiatives are expected to support a further 4,000 new full-time jobs for apprentices, trainees and youth employees in Tasmania.

Other significant skills and training investments in the 2020-21 State Budget include:

• $4.4 million for Tasmania’s Adult Learning Strategy to help adults engage in lifelong learning that will improve their employment opportunities and build their personal confidence and wellbeing; and
• $6 million for our Rapid Response Skills Initiative, which enables eligible job seekers to immediately access up to $3,000 towards the cost of training and up to $500 for employment advice.

We’re backing Tasmanian business, supporting their recovery and growth, and making it easier for them to employ Tasmanians.

This State Budget is investing even more into education and skills, to ensure more Tasmanians have the ability to grasp opportunities and lead a more fulfilling life.