News

South Australian businesses employing apprentices or trainees who travel to undertake training will now save more on travel and accommodation costs.

The Travel and Accommodation Allowance, a part-payment for rural or regional apprentices travelling more than 150 km to attend training has increased from 30 cents to 52 cents per km, while accommodation payments have increased to $90 per night intrastate, and $150 per night interstate.

Additionally, the number of eligible trips over a year will rise from 8 to 10 to support more flexible training.

Increasing the allowance, which employers claim, responds to emerging and evolving cost pressures for businesses. $11 million over two years has been jointly invested by the Australian and South Australian Governments.

Travel and accommodation costs are a contributor to the early attrition of learners, particularly in regional areas.

Based in the state’s South East, Group Training Employment General Manager Greg Megaw says it’s a massive win for regional employers and apprentices.

“For our team at Group Training Employment, we see firsthand the immense commitment required to train regional youth,” Greg says.

“This extra funding significantly eases the cost of doing business in the South East, giving local employers the confidence to keep investing in the next generation.

“Most importantly, it ensures our apprentices are supported throughout their entire journey, removing the financial stress of travel so they can focus on what matters most – successfully completing their trade."

Delivered under the National Skills Agreement, this measure is part of a $37 million commitment to improve VET completion rates and ensure students have the support they need to succeed in industries critical to the state’s future.