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Media Centre OPENING UP NEW APPRENTICESHIP INCENTIVES10 May 2005 MINBUD 13/05 Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, Gary Hardgrave, today announced the Australian Government will spend $2.6 million over four years to provide incentives to employers who take on a New Apprentice who has already obtained a vocational qualification at their own expense, commenced within two years of leaving school. Mr Hardgrave said currently the Australian Government’s New Apprenticeships Incentives Programme restricts incentives for employers who employ New Apprentices with prior qualifications, unless exceptional circumstances apply. As a result some employers will give preference to those with no qualifications, over those who have gone on to further study after school. "This initiative will provide opportunities for at least 1,300 people with qualifications who want to go into a New Apprenticeship," Mr Hardgrave said today. "Changing the programme will remove the disadvantage faced by young people who have tried to get ahead in life and paid their own way to go to TAFE or a private training provider and gained a qualification. "Opening up the New Apprenticeship incentives for employers will ensure school leavers who are self-starters are not disadvantaged in the workforce through a lack of support. "New Apprentices benefiting from this initiative will also be eligible to apply for the Living Away from Home Allowance if they have to move away from home to take up or remain in a New Apprenticeship. "This initiative is part of an extensive range of measures to encourage more Australians into New Apprenticeships, particularly in those trades experiencing skills needs," Mr Hardgrave said.
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