October 23, 2009
It will become easier for budding Gippsland tradesmen to secure an apprenticeship this summer, with the Federal Government tripling funding incentives from December to February.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said employers who take on an apprentice in an area of skills shortage will be paid $4850 to train an apprentice in their first year, instead of the current $1500 payment.
The bonus will be available for apprentices who are hired between 1 December 1, 2009 and February 28, 2010, (or until 21,000 apprentices have commenced) in traditional trades hardest hit by skills shortages identified on the National Skills Needs List. This includes trades like bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, hairdressers, butchers, bakers and pastry cooks.
It will be paid in two instalments, the first payment of $2350 on commencement and then a $2500 payment and nine months.
“It is critical that young Gippslanders have the opportunity to take up apprenticeships and to gain experience and training in our local industries,” Mr Chester said.
“If Gippsland businesses are finding it difficult to justify the expense in the current financial climate, then the Government has an obligation to support the continued training of our young people.
“What I like about this announcement is that it targets the first year of employment – it encourages employers to sign up apprentices and provides an incentive to keep them going through the first nine months, until they become settled in the routine.”
Mr Chester said the bonus payments were intended to tackle the recent drop in new apprenticeships after the Keep Australia Working Report, released this week, showed a drop of 20 percent in people starting trade apprenticeships compared to the same time last year.
“In the 1990s, apprentice commencements took a decade to bounce back to pre-recession levels,” Mr Chester said.
“We don’t want history to repeat itself and create a major skills shortage that could hold Australia back.
Mr Chester said there are many benefits in putting locals first and hiring local contractors to carry out works in Gippsland.
“The community benefits from the hiring of local tradesmen to carry out works in the region,” Mr Chester said.
“There are plenty of quality tradesmen nearby and they’re always quick to offer follow-up service when needed.
“By putting locals first and hiring local contractors you’re helping to help create jobs in our region and ensure that there are opportunities here for young people in the future,” Mr Chester said.