Government stimulus to Kickstart Apprenticeships

October 2009 | The Australian Government will invest $100 million in a new Apprentice Kickstart program to support up to 21,000 young Australians entering traditional trades this summer.

During the recent economic downturn the number of people who have commenced trade apprenticeships has dropped by more than 20 per cent compared to the same time last year.

To ensure that Australia continues to recruit and train apprentices in traditional trades and meets the potential skills shortages as we come out of the global recession the Australian Government has announced the Apprentice Kickstart program.

Between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010, the Australian Government will provide a $3,350 Apprentice Kickstart Bonus to employers who take on a young person aged 19 years and under into a traditional trade Australian Apprenticeship.

The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is paid in instalments of $850 at the three month point and $2,500 at the nine month point. This bonus is paid in addition to existing incentives which represents a tripling of financial support for employers in their first year of an Australian Apprenticeship.

The Apprentice Kickstart package also provides $20 million to state and territory governments for Increased Pre-Apprenticeship Training Opportunities. Through increased provision of pre-apprenticeship training in the traditional trades, this initiative will provide a flow of suitable candidates for emerging traditional trade Australian Apprenticeship opportunities resulting from the economic recovery.