Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced on Friday the 16th October that the Rudd Government will invest $100 million in a new Apprentice Kickstart program to support up to
21, 000 young Australians entering traditional trades this summer.

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 introduction of the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus represents a tripling of Government support for employers of eligible Australian Apprentices in their first year of an Australian Apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship Kickstart Bonus

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

“Pre - apprentices are a critical way of ensuring we get young people into trades,” Mr Clare said.

“The funding will be available for proposals from states working with industry and training organisations that will increase the flow of young people into the traditional trades.

“Up to 5,000 young people will be able to participate in these programs, teaching them basics to fast-forward them into an apprenticeship.”

Click here for more information on Pre - apprenticeship Training Opportunities