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Cairns Businesses Encouraged To Take Advantage Of Apprentice Kickstart Program

Source: Government of Australia
Posted on: 9th November 2009

Minister for Employment Participation Mark Arbib today visited Cairns to encourage businesses in the local region to take advantage of the Government’s $100 million Apprentice Kickstart program.

Senator Arbib joined Member for Leichhardt Jim Turnour and Skills360 Australia CEO Troy Williams in a visit to Barnacle Bills Restaurant, which will apply for a new apprentice under the scheme.

Senator Arbib said Apprentice Kickstart would support up to 21,000 young Australians entering traditional trades this summer, by more than tripling the first year bonus paid to employers who take on traditional trades apprentices.

“We’re boosting the commencement bonus from $1500 to $2350 and then following up with another $2500 at nine months which means employers will now receive $4,850 in the first year for taking on a traditional trade apprentice over the summer,” Senator Arbib said.

“Recent figures show people starting trade apprenticeships have dropped by more than 20 per cent during the economic downturn compared to the same time last year.

“This bonus will fast-forward hiring decisions to bring apprentice numbers up to levels before the global recession. It will also help Cairns which is suffering higher than average unemployment.”

Skill360 is planning a marketing campaign with newspaper and radio advertising to encourage local businesses to take advantage of Apprentice Kickstart.

“The local effects of the global financial crisis are having a detrimental effect on the creation of job opportunities for apprentices, and in this context the Australian government’s Apprentice Kickstart is welcome,” Mr Williams said.

Mr Turnour welcomed the initiative and said feedback from local businesses had been very positive.

“This is a great opportunity to provide financial support to businesses and at the same time benefit young people wanting to learn a trade,” Mr Turnour said.

“We all know unemployment is a problem in Cairns, so I want our local businesses to get their fair share of the apprentice Kickstart program by applying to get the financial incentive from 1 December 2009.”

The Apprenticeship Kickstart will be funded from the Government’s $650 million Jobs Fund and will be available to all employers who take on a traditional trade apprentice aged between 15 and 19 years.

The funding boost brings to around $250 million in the level of additional support the Rudd Government is providing to apprentices.

The bonus will be available for apprentices who are hired between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 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 butchers, bakers, bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, hairdressers and pastry cooks.

As part of the $100 million Kickstart, the Government is also providing $20 million for pre-apprenticeships.

Senator Arbib said the Government had introduced Apprentice Kickstart with the support of the Greens and Senator Stephen Fielding.

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