Changes to payments under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Program for Certificate II qualifications have been announced as part of the 2011 Federal Budget.
For Certificate II qualifications, there will no longer be universal access to the standard commencement and Group Training Organisation incentive payments. However, these payments will still be available for nominated equity groups.
The incentives affected are:
- $1 250 commencement incentive for Certificate II level qualifications; and
- $1 000 completion incentive for Group Training Organisations for Certificate II level qualifications.
Nominated equity groups
The incentive payments for Certificate II will continue to be available for apprentices and trainees who are members of one or more of the following groups:
- Indigenous Australians;
- Australian Apprentices with a disability;
- Australian School-based Apprentices;
- Mature aged Australian Apprentices (aged 45 and over);
- Australian Apprentices working in a rural or remote area; and
- Job seekers with severe barriers to employment (Job Services Australia stream 4 clients).
When the changes take effect
The new arrangements take effect from 11 May 2011. The incentives are still available for existing apprentices and trainees where the relevant milestone for the incentive payment occurred before 11 May 2011.
Further information
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations has published a fact sheet explaining the changes, which is available for download from the following link: http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/documents/AAReductionCertIIQA.pdf
Further information about is also available from Australian Apprenticeships Centres (AACs). To find an Australian Apprenticeships Centre in your region please visit the Australian Apprenticeships website or call 13 38 73.