If you’re interested in hiring someone and they need support to gain the required job skills, the Flexi-wage programme may be able to help with in-work support, training or a wage contribution.

You may be able to get Flexi-wage for someone you hire if:

• they meet the criteria
• the position is ongoing and will continue after the contribution has finished
• you pay at least the minimum wage for the job
• you haven’t dismissed anyone to make the position available.  

Work and Income will discuss with you the level of support the candidate needs to gain the skills to do the job, and whether it will be a Flexi-wage contribution, training, in-work support (such as pastoral care) or a combination.

Depending on the level of support needed, Flexi-wage may be paid for up to 36 weeks.

Work and Income has some discretion if the candidate has complex or specific needs. In addition, support is available for pre-employment or on-the-job training for people who need it. Staff will work this through with you. 

Skills for Industry is designed to help you to hire new staff and make sure they have training in skills specific to their role. The programmes, delivered by you to meet your requirements, or by a provider, are designed to be short, cost effective, address skill and labour shortages and provide assistance with in-work support.

If candidates need industry specific skills for a job, we may be able to offer you funding and support to help with short-term pre-employment or in-work training.

Skills for Industry training can be delivered by you to meet your requirements, or by a provider. It can include

• entry level training:
  • health and safety
  • business or industry induction
  • basic skills training, including licences
• on-the-job training
• industry qualifications once in employment
• in-work support

Employment Service providers will work with you to find a suitable position for a candidate, depending on their skills and employment goals.

Employers who want to support a person with a disability or health condition into work.

You get a wage subsidy and funding for training and equipment, as well as on-the-job support.