On 16 October 2009, the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard announced Apprentice Kickstart – a $100 million investment designed to reduce the impact of the global recession on apprentice commencements and retention through additional employer incentives.
The first part of the initiative is an $80 million time limited Apprentice Kickstart Bonus for employers of apprentices in skills shortage trades. Between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010, the Commonwealth will provide an additional $3,350 Apprentice Kickstart Bonus to employers who take on a young person aged 19 years and under into a traditional trade apprenticeship, in addition to existing employer incentives. The additional payments will only be available to a maximum of 21,000 employers and only applicable to skills shortages trades (hairdressing, cook and pastry cook).
The bonus is only available until the end of February 2010 – so sign up NOW!