Real Jobs, Real Wages

Workforce support for your business

Our Real Jobs, Real Wages program helps employers grow and diversify their workforce. Talk to us about your recruitment needs. We can work with employers, and our network of employment services providers, to help businesses support people with greater challenges into secure work.

We can:

• advise you on job design to support inclusive recruitment
• connect you with potential candidates across Australia
• connect you with other government services and supports
• advise on support available for employers and individuals before they start work
• help you access financial support for wages and other hiring costs
• provide up to 12 months post-employment support to encourage staff retention.

We’ll connect you with candidates who’ve been supported by our employment services providers for over two years who are keen to secure work. These workers can bring experience, resilience and a great work ethic. Your business can also benefit from improved community connections and a more diverse and inclusive workplace. 

Learn more about the benefits to your business.

Find out more about the support and financial incentives available to assist you to grow and diversify your workforce, by attending our webinar. Details on how to register, are at the bottom of this page.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Real Jobs, Real Wages program, your business must have an ongoing vacancy. This can include an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Local government and Group Training Organisations are eligible for Real Jobs, Real Wages financial incentives.

These organisations aren’t eligible for the program:

• Labour hire organisations
• Australian and State or Territory government entities.

Financial support of up to $15,000

Real Jobs, Real Wages offers financial incentives for employers to hire an eligible employee into a permanent job. This can help to:

• offset labour costs
• reduce onboarding and training costs
• grow your workforce.

You can hire the person on a part-time or full-time basis. You also have the flexibility to gradually increase their hours of work as required.

Wage subsidy for Real Jobs, Real Wages

You may be able to get a wage subsidy of up to $10,000 (GST inclusive). This is payable over the first 6 months.

How much you get depends on your employee’s regular working hours:

• $10,000 for 20 hours or more per week
• $7,000 for less than 20 hours per week.

12-month secure work payment of up to $5,000

You may be able to get an additional payment when the employee is in a permanent role with your business after one year.

How much you get depends on their regular working hours:

• $5,000 for 20 hours or more per week
• $3,000 for less than 20 hours per week.

Get started

Contact our Real Jobs, Real Wages team. One of our team members will be in touch to discuss your needs and the range of options available to support your business.

Contact our team