A Rudd Government apprenticeship drive has kick-started the jobs of 415 young people across ACT who have been given a job during the three-month program.
Senator for the ACT, Kate Lundy has welcomed the fantastic take-up of apprenticeships in the ACT over such a short period.
“Coming out of the global financial crisis it is great to see so many young people in the ACT take up an apprenticeship.
“Of course such a take-up wouldn’t haven been possible without the positive support from the ACT businesses employing these people,” Senator Lundy said.
Minister for Employment Participation Mark Arbib said Apprentice Kickstart had reignited the drive for apprenticeships after a dramatic slump last year.
“From December 2009 to February 2010 ACT employers put on 415 15 to 19 year old traditional trades apprentices – an outstanding result,” Senator Arbib said.
“This is a 19 per cent increase on the same period last year.”
| Teenage apprenticeship commencements in ACT | ||
| December 2007 – February 2008 | December 2008 – February 2009 | Kickstart Apprentices (Dec 2009 – Feb 2010) |
| 403 | 337 | 415 |
Under Kickstart, the Rudd Government more than tripled the commencement bonus for employers of traditional trades apprentices in the first year, from $1500 to $4850.
The results for Kickstart come as the Rudd Government announced $10 million to provide extra support for Kickstart apprentices to help them during their apprenticeship.
“The additional support will help to increase the retention rate of Kickstart Apprentices and contribute to increased completion rates for these apprentices,” Senator Arbib said.
“The Australian Government, through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, will be seeking proposals from current Australian Apprenticeships Centres to deliver innovative and targeted mentoring services to Kickstart Apprentices.
“This mentoring will be available to Australian apprentices who are assessed as most likely to benefit from additional support, and will be available from 1 July 2010 for 12 months.”
Funding for Apprentice Kickstart was provided from the Government’s $650 million Jobs Fund and was negotiated with the support of the Australian Greens and Senator Stephen Fielding.
Media contact: Annika Hutchins 0407 458 882
