BUSY would like to wish all of them the best of luck. Keep up the great work.

Apprentices now have the opportunity to work alongside their own offsider under a new service provided by BUSY. Young Apprentices have told us they need a mentor more than others and we’ve listened and developed a program which fits their needs. But our program is much more than a mentoring scheme.

The program aims to provide a smooth transition into a new career for apprentices by partnering them with a mentor who can help them get on with the job of getting their qualification.

A BUSY mentor will be there to offer a helping hand, give advice or provide support when you need it most. It might be questions about an apprenticeship or filling out paperwork or advice with a work-related problem.  Whatever the issue, a BUSY mentor will be there to call, text, email or chat to in person. No question or concern is too big or too small for our team of experienced mentors.

At BUSY we know having the right offsider is the key to success and our team of mentors have been handpicked to fit you and your industry. The new service is provided free to Kickstart Apprentices 19 years and under in skilled shortage industries.

If you’re a young apprentice contact us today to find out if you can get your own offsider for that extra support in your workplace.

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