In the 2007-08 budget, the Australian Government announced five new measures to attract new apprentices with higher wages and shorter apprenticeships, increase the status and availability of quality technical training in years 11 and 12 and assist the top trades people to undertake higher level technical studies. These include:
- The Apprenticeship Wage Top-Up - a tax free payment of $1,000 per year for first and second year apprentices under thirty in trades facing skills shortages, will be paid six monthly, to encourage young people to enter the trades and complete their qualification;
- Apprenticeship Training Vouchers of up to $500 per year for all first and second year apprentices in trades facing skills shortages to help them or their employers meet the cost of their course fees – this is not limited to those under thirty;
- Three new Australian Technical Colleges - in Perth, Brisbane and Western Sydney - ensuring that all of Australia’s five largest cities each have two Australian Technical Colleges;
- Support for Fast Track Apprenticeships to help apprentices reach their qualification sooner while still meeting all the requirements of employers and industry; and
- FEE-HELP for Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses to encourage those already with trade qualifications to further build on their skills and knowledge.
Visit the DEST stand for more information. |
