The Member for Bennelong Maxine McKew today reminded local businesses there was just one week left to take advantage of the extra Government assistance to hire a young apprentice.
Ms McKew urged local businesses to take advantage of the Rudd Government’s Apprentice Kickstart bonus and give a young person a job.
The Rudd Government tripled the first year bonus paid to employers putting on an apprentice in a traditional trade from $1500 to $4850 over the summer.
“Any local employers who are thinking about putting on an apprentice should take advantage of Apprentice Kickstart before time runs out,” Ms McKew said.
“With the commencement bonus three times the usual rate, there’s never been a better time to hire an apprentice.
“Already more than 14,000 apprentices have been employed under the scheme throughout Australia, and I want local employers to share in the bonus.
“We know that apprenticeships in the trades plummeted by about 20 per cent during the past year.
“This bonus will help local school leavers gain apprenticeships in trades like bricklaying, carpentry, electrical, hairdressing, cookery and welding.”
Ms McKew said Apprentice Kickstart was directly targeted at boosting the number of first year apprentices in traditional trades.
“It is a $100 million down-payment on the skills we need as the economy recovers from the global recession,” said Ms McKew.
For more information on how to apply contact the Australian Apprenticeships referral line on 13 38 73.
To be eligible, employers must take on a teenage apprentice in a trade on the National Skills Needs List.
