Challenging times for 2026

This year the industry and Seafood and Maritime Training (SMT) are faced with a decline in government subsidy support on two fronts.

We have been unable to secure enough training subsidies to meet the training demands of the Tasmanian Seafood and Maritime industry for its workers via Skills Tas Existing Worker Program. In addition, Aquaculture was removed from the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List, which has resulted in the removal of Employer Incentive Payments for traineeships.

To deal with these upcoming challenges SMT’s initial response is to use its own resources to subsidise the additional 30%, then increase our course fees by 30% for 2026 to make up the 60% short fall created by the deficit in existing worker funds. SMT has also started working with its clients to reshape its traineeship offerings to ensure they remain a viable pathway for employers wishing to upskill, retain and attract new staff.

These actions are aimed at ensuring the training that industry wants is available when they need it and there is no reduction in supply of SMT training courses.

Whilst these initial actions aim to offset the immediate impact of these challenges to employers and participants, we will be continuing to work with industry peak bodies, sector groups, employers and industry representatives to pursue both State and Federal Governments for a better deal for the Seafood Industry.