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Media CentreELIMINATING NEW APPRENTICE POACHING10 May 2005 MINBUD 04/05 Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, Gary Hardgrave, today said the Australian Government will offer further incentives to employers to reward those businesses which have made a major contribution to a New Apprentice’s training, even if their apprentice moves on to another workplace. "The Government recognises the significant investment employers make in training New Apprentices, particularly in the traditional trades where the training can extend over three or four years," Mr Hardgrave said. "New Apprentices are frequently poached by other employers. Poaching, especially in traditional trade industries, is particularly disappointing and frustrating for employers who lose their New Apprentices just before they complete their training." Under current arrangements, employers of New Apprentices who complete their training may be eligible to receive a $2,750 completion incentive from the Australian Government in recognition of their efforts. The Australian Government will change the way completion payments are distributed to ensure that employers in the traditional trades who have provided 25% or more of a New Apprentice’s training will be able to receive a share of the $2,750 completion incentive. "In particular, this initiative will have a positive effect on small businesses by financially rewarding those employers who have made a significant contribution to a New Apprentice’s training," Mr Hardgrave said. "It will benefit New Apprentices and their families by encouraging employers to take on New Apprentices in the knowledge that they can still receive some financial incentive if the New Apprentice moves on to another employer." The Australian Government will spend $554.5 million on financial incentives to employers under the New Apprenticeships Incentives Programme in the next year. Media Contact:
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