Edition 78, May 2010

Extension to Apprentice Kickstart program

The Australian Government will provide almost $80 million to extend the highly successful Apprentice Kickstart program for another six months, supporting around 22,500 new apprenticeship places in traditional trades experiencing skills shortages.

The Government initiative will run from 12 May to 12 November 2010, in partnership with small and medium enterprises (less than 200 employees) who find it particularly difficult to take on apprentices.

Participating businesses will receive $3,350 in bonus payments, in addition to the existing $1,500 commencement incentive, if they engage and retain school leavers in traditional trade apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships are a vital pathway to meet the skill needs of Australian industry and to engage young people in employment and training.

The original Kickstart program which ran for three months from December 2009, helped around 24,400 young people into trade apprenticeships.

For more information visit http://budget.australia.gov.au/

This page was generated on 31 May, 2010