Printing Industries has welcomed new apprentice incentives which, it says, will provide much needed stimulus for employers to recruit young people.

Printing Industries National Manager – Training Policy, Neal McLary (pictured at right), said the Federal Government’s decision to ‘kickstart’ apprentice training with increased payments to employers would help make apprenticeship recruitment possible for many printing industry companies.

The kickstart bonus will boost the first year bonus payments to employers from $1500 to an initial $4850 in eligible trades which include print machining and binding and finishing,” he said.

“It’s certainly no lottery win for employers, but in difficult times when apprenticeship numbers are falling quite dramatically in our industry, it is a welcome incentive for companies to reconsider their positions to take advantage of the funding.”

Mr McLary said the funding would be available for apprentice intakes between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010.

“We encourage our members to take advantage of these additional allowances and bring forward business decisions to hire new apprentices,” he said.

“Such initiatives are practical and responsive to our labour market needs. They help minimise the risk of skill shortages arising from the downfall in apprenticeship enrolments currently being experienced through the economic downturn. They are also a considerable boost for the prospects of Australian youth seeking a trade.”

The $100 million announcement supports an additional 21,000 apprentice commencements by boosting the first year bonus payment to employers of ‘traditional trades’ apprentices from $1500 to $4850 or an additional $2,350. After a period of nine months employers will be eligible for a further $2500 payment.

‘Traditional trades’ are trades listed on the National Skills Needs List which currently includes ‘binding and finishing’ and ‘print machining’.

$20 million of the $100 million will support 5,000 pre-apprenticeship places to give young people the skills they need to successfully complete a trade.

Kickstart bonus Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Apprentice Kickstart bonus?
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 Australian Apprenticeships.

Who is eligible for the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus?
Employers who employ an Australian Apprentice in a traditional trade who is aged 19 years and under. The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is payable in respect to commencements between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010 in a qualification leading to a traditional trade occupation. The employer must also meet eligibility requirements under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.

What is a traditional trade?

A traditional trade is a trade listed on the National Skills Needs List. The National Skills Needs List currently includes ‘binding and finishing’ and ‘print machining’.

What financial support is available to employers?
The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is a total of $3,350 paid in instalments 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.

Are the new payments in addition to existing support for employers of Australian Apprentices?
Yes. The new payment is in addition to the suite of employer incentives already available under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program. Employers of Australian Apprentices at the Certificate III level and above may already be eligible to receive $4,000 in incentives comprising a $1,500 commencement incentive and a $2,500 completion incentive.

How long is the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus available for?
The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is available for commencements between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010.

How are the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus payments made?
Payments are made directly to the employer’s nominated bank account.

How do I apply?
Local Australian Apprenticeships Centres will advise you of your eligibility for the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus at sign up. Printing Industries members requiring further details are encouraged to contact Mr McLary on (07) 3356 0022 e-mail: nmclary@printnet.com.au or their local Printing Industries office.