On 21 January, the Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, and the Minister for Employment Participation, the Hon Mark Arbib MP, invited state and territory governments to submit proposals for a share of $20 million in funding to boost pre-apprenticeships under the Increased Pre-Apprenticeship Training Opportunities component of the Apprentice Kickstart measure.
Under this initiative, funding will be available for states and territories to develop and manage innovative programs and projects which increase the number of pre-apprenticeship training opportunities in their jurisdictions.
Pre-apprenticeship training is training that is designed and intended to lead into an apprenticeship. This training generally involves both theoretical and work experience components and is distinct from pre-vocational or job readiness courses in that it generally provides credit towards the first year of the “off-the-job” component of an apprenticeship. Pre-apprenticeship training is frequently targeted at traditional trades and has a greater focus on industry specific skills over general employability skills.
The Increased Pre-Apprenticeship Training Opportunities measure aims to increase the number of pre-apprenticeship training opportunities that are available, thereby resulting in an increased number of individuals taking up formal Australian Apprenticeship training in traditional trade occupations.
It is intended that this measure will also accelerate the completion of an Australian Apprenticeship through better preparation as well as recognition of learning undertaken in the pre-apprenticeship programs. It is also expected this measure will provide individuals with a greater understanding of the training and work components of an Australian Apprenticeship and therefore result in fewer cancellations and withdrawals once formal Australian Apprenticeship training has been commenced.
In addition, this measure aims to provide a secondary pathway for school leavers considering trade training, providing an opportunity to test their interest and commitment to a longer term trade training arrangement.
If you are an industry group, training provider or other party interested in becoming involved in the delivery of this initiative, please contact your State/Territory Training Authority
If you are an individual that wishes to receive training under this initiative, please contact your State/Territory Training Authority.
The Deputy Prime Minister has announced Apprentice Kickstart - a $100 million investment to support two measures designed to counteract the impact of the global recession on Australian Apprenticeships commencements and retention. It also aims to increase opportunities for young people to transition from school to trade training, improving their chances of engaging with long term employment.
The Apprentice Kickstart package introduces two initiatives: an $80 million time limited Apprentice Kickstart Bonus for employers of Australian Apprentices in skills shortage trades and $20 million to Increase Pre-Apprenticeship Training Opportunities.
Between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010, the Australian Government will provide a $3,350 Apprentice Kickstart Bonus to employers who take on a young person aged 19 years and under into a traditional trade Australian Apprenticeship. The introduction of the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus represents a tripling of Government support for employers of eligible Australian Apprentices in their first year of an Australian Apprenticeship.
The Apprentice Kickstart package also provides $20 million to state and territory governments for Increased Pre-Apprenticeship Training Opportunities. Through increased provision of pre-apprenticeship training in the traditional trades, this initiative will provide a flow of suitable candidates for emerging traditional trade Australian Apprenticeship opportunities resulting from the economic recovery.
These initiatives aim to continue the development of a highly skilled workforce and provide individuals with greater job opportunities to benefit the Australian economy as we move through the global recession into economic recovery and beyond.
Read the Deputy Prime Minister’s media release.
For more information on the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus, please download the fact sheet from the publications page and to access the Questions and Answers, click on the link below.
For more information on the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Opportunities, please download the fact sheet from the publications page and to access the Questions and Answers, click on the link below.
For further information please refer to the media release.
