|
|
 |
Media Release
LAUNCH OF NEW TOOLS FOR YOUR TRADE INITIATIVE
25 November 2005
Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP, and Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta MP, today officially launched the Tools For Your Trade Initiative at Zupps Motors, in Mt Gravatt, Queensland.
“The Australian Government is providing $120.2 million over the next four years for eligible New Apprentices to obtain $800 tool kits to give them a head start in their new careers,” said Mr Hardgrave.
“New Apprentices commencing in eligible trades from 1 July this year, can acquire a tool kit valued at up to $800. When they have completed three months training, their employer will receive a voucher to purchase a tool kit from participating suppliers. The tool kit will then belong to the New Apprentice upon completion of a further six months of training.”
Mr Hardgrave said at least 34,000 New Apprentices annually will benefit from this practical, innovative Initiative, with already 12,234 potentially eligible recipients since 1 October.
“The Tools for Your Trade Initiative is a great measure, and I have much pleasure in launching it with the Minister today,” Mr Vasta said.
“Already in my electorate of Bonner there are 100 potentially eligible recipients and this Initiative is going to really assist in attracting and retaining people in a New Apprenticeship. Since 1996, there has been an increase of 196% in New Apprenticeships in my electorate.”
The Minister congratulated Zupps Motors for their on-going commitment to New Apprenticeships, especially for their proactive scheme to attract School-Based New Apprentices from the local schools.
“Currently Zupps, across six locations, employs 24 School-Based New Apprentices, including Stacey Sumner, who has recently benefited from the Tools For Your Trade initiative,” said Mr Hardgrave.
“The Government is determined to ensure a qualification gained in a trade is as valued as any gained at university. We have backed this commitment with an investment of $10.1 billion over the next four years to vocational and technical education.”
“It is encouraging to note the number of New Apprentices in training nationally has grown dramatically from a low of 138,800 in March 1995 to 390,200 in March 2005,” Mr Hardgrave concluded.
A list of the eligible New Apprenticeship trades is attached.
Further information on the initiative is available at: www.toolsforyourtrade.com.au or by calling 1800 557 875. Information about other new measures is available on: http://www.newapprenticeships.gov.au/
Media contact: Suzanne Ferguson 0402 896 100
Attachment A
Tool kits under the Australian Government’s Tools For Your Trade initiative will be available to New Apprentices undertaking an apprenticeship in the following trades:
- Metal Fitter
- Metal Machinist
- Toolmaker
- Metal Fabricator
- Welder
- Sheetmetal Worker
- Motor Mechanic
- Auto Electrician
- Panel Beater
- Vehicle Painter
- Electrician
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Electrical Powerline Trades
- Electronic Instrument Trades
- Electronic Equipment Trades
- Carpenter and Joiner
- Fibrous Plasterer
- Bricklayer
- Solid Plasterer
- Plumber
- Chef
- Cook
- Pastrycook
- Cabinetmaker
- Hairdresser
- Furniture Upholsterer
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy Statement
|
