The $1 billion JobTrainer plan for school leavers, unemployed

School leavers and job seekers are the focus of a $1 billion federal government scheme to upskill and reskill.

Coined JobTrainer, and keeping with the naming convention of COVID-19 economic initiatives, it will focus on employment sectors in high demand including health care and social assistance, transport, postal and warehousing, manufacturing and retail.

The program will create an additional 340,700 free or low-cost training places, which will be available from September.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash says the package will form a vital part of the national recovery efforts.

"Our nation has faced many challenges, and it is critical that we keep our apprentices in jobs and help those looking for work," says Cash.

"This package will be essential as the economy rebuilds so that people looking for work can reskill and upskill for in-demand jobs, provide school leavers with a pathway into their careers, and ensure businesses are able to get the skilled workers they need."

The JobTrainer program forms part of a broader skills investment by the government, with another $1.5 billion (including $500 million from state and territory funding) earmarked to expand the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy. The subsidy covers 50% of an apprentice's or trainee's wage, up to $7000 per quarter. The apprentice needs to be employed as at July 1, 2020.

Meanwhile, research from comparison site mozo.com.au has found that 78% of Australians who have the ability to work remotely will request to continue doing so once COVID-19 restrictions are eased, while 44% of remote workers said they will request to work full time from home - equating to around seven million Australians.

"No one could have foreseen such a dramatic change to the Australian workforce and the majority of remote workers feel they're just as productive, if not more, working from home," says Kirsty Lamont, Mozo director.

"Businesses have been swift to adapt with video conferencing, workplace chat apps and remote workspaces in full swing.

"Mozo research found the resounding consensus is that Australians would like to continue working remotely when the new 'normal' returns, whether that's in a part time or full time capacity."

"An added bonus of working from home is that 64% of remote workers reported they are spending less money as they pocket additional funds from not commuting, eating out or buying coffee. With COVID-19 presenting an uncertain economic future, many Australians are happy to try to reduce outgoings and build their savings."

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