Apprentice Kickstart Bonus

HOST BUSINESSS TO RECEIVE $3,350 KICKSTART BONUS

On 16 October 2009 Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a major boost to Australian apprenticeships. From 1 December 2009 until 28 February 2010, the Rudd Government will invest $100 million into a new Apprentice Kickstart program, to help support up to 21,000 young Australians entering traditional trades.

Here at TORGAS we have welcomed this news with open arms. What it means for you as an employer, is that $3,350 will be provided to your business in instalments for every employed apprentice aged 15 to 19 years. For those of you who are eligible, TORGAS will be passing on the bonus directly to your nominated bank account. The incentive will be available for apprentices who are hired between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010 or until 21,000 apprentices have commenced in traditional trades considered hardest hit by the skills shortages. Over the years you have shown an outstanding commitment and support for up-skilling the workforce, and we hope this incentive will help support your work into the future.

Despite an exciting year for us here at TORGAS as we celebrate 25 years of success, we feel this announcement has come at no better time. A recent report (Keep Australia Working Report) has revealed people starting up trade apprenticeships has dropped by more than 20 per cent during the recent economic downturn compared to the same time last year. In order to combat this, the Rudd Government has taken what we believe are necessary steps to ensure Australian businesses, like yours, continue to recruit and train apprentices in traditional trades.

If you require any further information about the Australian Kickstart Bonus contact TORGAS on 1300 655 199.