Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP)

Construction Apprentice

How does Regional Industry Education Partners work?

Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) is a NSW Government initiative that strengthens connections between local industry and secondary school communities.

The program supports employers to engage with schools and share expectations for their future workforce. It helps students develop the skills they need to get a job, while strengthening the links between what is learned at school and what is needed in the workplace.

How will this program benefit the employer?

There are a number of benefits that may come along with participating in the RIEP program, such as:

  • Encouraging young people to consider this particular field of work, therefore supplying the workforce of the future
  • Young people bring new ideas, such as new or more efficient ways to use technology in the workplace
  • Career advisors become aware of the local employer and can recommend students for work experience, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment
  • RIEP funded projects help build relationships between the school and the employer
  • Targeted employment such as female students in non-traditional trades.

What is the employer involvement in the program?

An employer may be involved in a variety of different ways, including:

  • Work experience programs
  • Industry site visit
  • Industry information sessions/talks
  • Employment of a School Based Apprentice or Trainee and/or ongoing apprenticeship or traineeship employment opportunities.

There are varying levels of involvement that depend on how much time the employer has to commit.

Are employers required to pay students?

Only for ongoing employment opportunities including school based apprenticeships and trainees, or full-time, part-time and casual staff.

What taxes are involved?

The below taxes are involved with being a part of the program:

  • Tax is applicable according to the Australian Tax Office (ATO) rules
  • Superannuation guarantee
  • Payroll tax rebate scheme - this allows employers to claim rebate under certain circumstances.

What subsidies are available to employers?

There are a number of subsidies that are available to employers, including:

  • Skilling for Recovery, including the school leavers program
  • Possible eligibility for a 50 per cent wage subsidy for wages paid to an apprentice/trainee until 30 September 2021 (maximum of $7,000 per quarter)
  • Commencement incentive payment - this is a one off payment of between $750 and $1,500
  • Completion incentive payment of $2,500, if eligible
  • Fee free training for apprentices and trainees
  • Workers compensation insurance reduction based on the wages paid to the learner.

Where can employers find further information?

Employers can contact Training Services NSW to find out more or find out about how they can participate in the program.

Call 13 28 11