Townsville Business Given Assistance To Kickstart Local Apprenticeships

Media Release — 11 November 2009

Skill360 Australia, with the support of the Australian Government, is offering businesses across Townsville the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus. The payment of $3,350 is payable to businesses taking-on an apprentice aged nineteen years old or younger commencing between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010 in most trade sectors.

“With signs that the economic recovery in Townsville is starting to get underway, now is the right time to make an investment in local skills. The additional $3,350 available to employers looking to take on an apprentice has been a deciding factor in making the decision to take on an apprentice,” said Troy Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Skill360 Australia.

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 apprenticeships. Employers who employ an apprentice who is aged nineteen years and under and is undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to a skills shortage trade occupation.    The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is a total of $3,350 paid in installments of: $850 paid at the three month point of the Australian Apprenticeship; and $2,500 paid at the nine month point of the Australian Apprenticeship. The bonus is available to apprentices commencing between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010.

“Skill360 Australia is pleased to be working with businesses across Townsville access these additional incentives. It’s part of what we do to make apprenticeships easy for local business,” Mr Williams said.

Earlier this week the Minister for Employment Participation, Senator Mark Arbib, joined Skill360 Australia in launching the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus across the state’s north. Senator Arbib said Apprentice Kickstart would support up to 21,000 young Australians entering traditional trades this summer, by more than tripling the first year bonus paid to employers who take on traditional trades apprentices.

“Recent figures show people starting trade apprenticeships have dropped by more than twenty per cent during the economic downturn compared to the same time last year,” the Minister said at the launch.

Businesses wanting to take-on an apprentice and access the Apprenticeship Kickstart Bonus are invited to contact Skill360 Australia on 1300 933 358 or email townsville@skill360.com.au Information is also available online at www.skill360.com.au/kickstart

Ends.

Media Contact:
Troy Williams - CEO, Skill360 Australia
t: 1300 933 358 (Intl: +61 7 4046 4000)