ACFA training news

ACFA are offering FREE* RPL Qualification (Recognised Prior Learning) in MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making under the NSW Subsidised Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers Program.

From late 2023, you will start to see the new training package, known as MSF30322 - Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology, come into play.

A series of five NSW Apprenticeship/Traineeship & Jobs Expos kicks off across Sydney next month and the Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA) will be exhibiting to showcase a career in the Cabinet and Furniture Industries as well as our Certificate III in Cabinet Making

Announced in the Federal Government Budget 21-22 was the extension of the Apprentice Wage Subsidy to Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements reimbursing employers for the wages of new apprentices and trainees by up to 50%*.

Under the expanded program, the number of eligible places will be uncapped and the duration of the 50% wage subsidy will be increased to 12 months.

Businesses of any size will be able to claim the subsidies for new apprentices and trainees who begin their employment between October 5, 2020, and March 31, 2022, with a maximum amount of $7,000 per quarter available.

The Government announced in the 2022-2023 Budget this program will be extended until 30 of June 2022

The government also plans to provide an additional 5,000 gateway service places and in-training support services to encourage and support more women to enter non-traditional trade jobs.

A new national training register will be established, at a cost of $30.9 million, and the government intends to negotiate a new National Skills Agreement with the states and territories.

Employers who hire apprentices will be given access to a new national apprenticeships portal, which will act as a ‘one-stop-shop’ to manage their apprentice workforces. Apprentices will also be able to use the portal to understand their entitlements.

*Who is eligible? Your business or Group Training Organisation may be eligible if:

• you engage an Australian Apprentice or trainee between 5 October 2020 and 31 March 2022; and
• your Australian Apprentice or trainee is undertaking a Certificate II or higher qualification and has a training contract that is formally approved by the state training authority.

*Additional eligibility requirements will apply to existing workers.

For answers to frequently asked questions click the below link:

Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements Questions and Answers

Where can employers find further information? For further information on how to apply for the subsidy, including information on eligibility, you contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.

The Australian Government in the Budget 2020/21 announced funding for 100,000 new apprentices and trainees through a $1.2 billion Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement fund.

From 1 January 2019, the Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy will support apprenticeships in skills need occupations in rural and regional areas

If you already have the experience, skills and knowledge required by your industry for your trade you can have your skills recognised by ACFA's RPL Program

From 1 January 2019, the Australian Apprentice Wage Subsidy will support apprenticeships in skills need occupations in rural and regional areas and encourage participation in apprenticeships.