Eligible employers can access up to $20,000 for hiring an out of work apprentice or trainee under a $70 million extension to the state’s successful Back to Work program.

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the Apprentice or Trainee Boost was an extension to the program that had employed more than 20,000 people over four years.

“As we Unite and Recover from COVID-19, the Palaszczuk Government’s number one priority is jobs,” Mr McCallum said.

“Since 2016, Back to Work has supported 10,000 Queensland employers to create 22,600 jobs – more than 430 in Ipswich alone.

“This $70 million extension will provide businesses with incentives to take on a previously unemployed Queenslander, including support for young people and apprentices and trainees.”

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said new payments would put a greater focus on helping young people across the region.

“The Apprentice and Trainee Boost of up to $20,000 will be available to eligible employers who employ an apprentice or trainee who has been unemployed for four weeks,” he said.

“Back to Work support payments have helped many businesses get through the worst of the shutdown, and now we are working to get the economy and workforce growing again.”

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the initiative would get people back in the workforce.

“Back to Work has been delivering this support to business owners for years and this announcement will encourage a faster recovery and a brighter future for many,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Tackling youth and long-term unemployment and continuing to train our future skilled workforce is a priority because real recovery can’t leave people behind.”

For more information visit backtowork.initiatives.qld.gov.au/ or phone 1300 369 935.