Cut in Incentives for Apprentices a “Damaging Blow” for Small Businesses

Cut in incentives for apprentices a “damaging blow” for small businesses

The Federal Government have decided to significantly reduce apprenticeship incentives for many industry sectors from 1 January 2026. The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) oppose the move, saying that it will have damaging consequences for recruitment in the small-business community. COSBOA’s fear is that this will deter employers from hiring apprentices, further depleting the skills shortages Australia is experiencing. T…

Small business warns apprenticeship funding cuts will undermine Australia’s skills pipeline

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) says the Federal Government’s decision to significantly reduce apprenticeship incentives for selected industries from 1 January 2026, will have damaging consequences for small business workforce development; warning the move will deter employers from hiring apprentices and worsen already critical skills shortages.