More than 3,000 apprentices and trainees will be able to access free training through a WA Government initiative to safeguard Western Australia's future workforce.
Training costs will be covered for apprentices and trainees who have had their contracts cancelled or suspended to continue their training 'off the job' for up to six months.
More than half of the apprentices and trainees impacted so far are in hospitality, tourism, wholesale and retail services, personal services, finance, property and business services, and building and construction.
Fees will be paid by the Department of Training and Workforce Development directly to training providers. Providers have been able to access these payments from July 1, 2020.
Eligible apprentices and trainees displaced between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 will be entitled to fee relief. There will be no course and resource fees for any units commenced by these apprentices and trainees for up to six months.
Employers will also benefit from a more flexible approach to training apprentices and trainees during the COVID-19 recovery period, given that it may be difficult to meet some requirements while restrictions are in place.
For more information, including the full list of financial support available to employers, apprentices and trainees, visit https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/covid19 or call the Apprenticeship Office Helpline on 13 19 54.
For more information see the Fees scrapped to support more than 3,000 displaced apprentices and trainees media statement.
