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Media Centre$120 MILLION IN THE TOOLKIT FOR NEW APPRENTICES10 May 2005 MINBUD 07/05 The Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, Gary Hardgrave, today announced the Australian Government will provide $120.2 million over five years to New Apprentices starting in specific traditional trades experiencing skills needs to obtain toolkits to give them a financial head start in their new careers. New Apprentices commencing in these trades from 1 July 2005 will be able to acquire a tool kit valued up to $800. Mr Hardgrave said this will benefit around 34,000 New Apprentices each year. (A list of identified trades is attached). "At the start of their careers, New Apprentices in trades are required to buy their own tools. This is supplemented for some New Apprentices by limited State and Territory or employer assistance, however apprentices experience financial challenges in their first few years," Mr Hardgrave said. "This practical assistance for New Apprentices in the specified trades helps them on their way to a successful career." Employers of eligible New Apprentices will receive a "voucher" for the purchase of a toolkit after the New Apprentice has completed the initial three months of their training (usually classified as a probation period), to pass on to the apprentice to use. The New Apprentice will be entitled to keep the kit upon completion of a further six months of training. If the apprentice leaves before this time, the employer can keep the tools for the use of other apprentices or pre-vocational and work experience students. "Our challenge is to further strengthen Australia’s vocational and technical education sector. We will achieve this by further developing an industry led system that provides opportunities for our businesses, communities and individuals to build economic and social prosperity," Mr Hardgrave said. "The Tools for Your Trade initiative is an election commitment and is one of a number of measures being introduced by the Australian Government to assist in addressing areas of skills needs in the trades."
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AttachmentTool kits under the Australian Government’s Tools for Your Trade initiative will be available to New Apprentices undertaking an apprenticeship in the following trades:
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