Broken Hill business, GT Loader Hire, has been providing quality mechanical services and equipment hire to many local businesses and mining companies for years but now, thanks to government incentives and support from VERTO, the team have struck gold themselves in the form of a new apprentice.
The Australian Government recently announced an extension of the $1.2 billion Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) wage subsidy. The subsidy covers up to fifty per cent of a new apprentice or trainee’s wages for the first 12 months.
For GT Loader Hire, the subsidy has enabled them to invest in the future and expand their workforce.
“We are a small team so there was a lot to weigh up, but when VERTO explained the wage subsidy opportunity, it stopped the ‘umm’ing and ‘ah’ing and we put on another heavy diesel mechanic apprentice,” Owner, Grason Trappel, who started the business out of his backyard seven years ago, said.
Mr Trappel said he had to make sure taking on a new apprentice made sense for his small business on every level. He pointed to the BAC subsidy as critical in his decision making.
“This is the perfect example of the BAC subsidy helping a small local business take on an apprentice when they perhaps may not have been able to afford to,” VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell said.
“The BAC funding is a vitally important investment in Australia’s long-term future. The funding will play a significant role in not only combatting any potential youth employment crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but these apprentices will be crucial in addressing skill shortages being felt across the country.”
To support more local businesses with their apprenticeship needs, VERTO recently appointed Nikki Smith as an apprenticeship consultant in Broken Hill. Ms Smith helped GT Loader Hire sign up mature-aged apprentice Cec Fraser.
“VERTO did all the paperwork so we could continue to focus on what we needed to do. The position also gives someone a start, so I thought, what is there to lose?” Mr Trappel said.
“If the subsidy is going to go on for another 12 months, we would absolutely have to consider another apprentice.”
Mr Maxwell believes now is the perfect time for both Broken Hill employers to consider hiring an apprentice, and job seekers to consider taking up an apprenticeship.
“There are incredible opportunities available and our team is dedicated to matching businesses with motivated, local apprentices who are keen to get their start in the industry – it’s a win-win for businesses and apprentices,” Mr Maxwell said.
“VERTO will also ensure that all businesses who are interested can access all the government incentives that are currently available.”
For more information, contact VERTO on 1300 4 VERTO (1300 483 786) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Broken Hill business strikes gold with apprenticeship wage subsidy
