Government stimulus to Kickstart Apprenticeships
October 19, 2009 – 1:29 amDeputy 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
| Question | Answer |
| What is the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus? | The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is an employer incentive designed to counteract the impact of the global recession on commencements and retention of young people in traditional trade Australian Apprenticeships. |
| Who is eligible for the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus? | Employers who commence an Australian Apprentice who is aged 19 years and under between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010 in a qualification leading to a traditional trade occupation.The employer must also meet eligibility requirements under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program. |
| What is a traditional trade? | A traditional trade is a trade listed on the National Skills Needs List which is available at www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au |
| How much are the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus payments? | The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is a total of $3,350 paid in instalments of $850 and $2,500. |
| When are the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus payments made? | • $850 paid at the three month point; and • $2,500 paid at the nine month point of the Australian Apprenticeship. |
| How are the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus payments made? | Payments are made directly to the employer’s nominated bank account. |
| Are these payments in addition to existing incentives? | Yes. If eligible, you will still receive other payments under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program as well as the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus. |
| How long are Apprentice Kickstart Bonuses available? | For commencements between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010. |
| How do I apply for the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus? | Your Australian Apprenticeships Centre will advise you of your eligibility for the Apprentice 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
