Triple benefits to hire apprentices
23 November
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ) is encouraging Queensland employers to consider hiring new apprentices over the coming summer months to take advantage of the federal government's Apprentice Kickstart Bonus.
Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland President, Beatrice Booth, said with recent increases to employer incentive payments, now is the opportune time to consider hiring an apprentice or trainee.
"Recent figures show the number of people commencing trade apprenticeships has dropped by more than 20 percent during the economic downtown, compared to the same time last year," Ms Booth said.
"The critical skills shortage of the past few years has held the Queensland economy back. We must invest in the skills of our workforce now to avoid the same situation occurring as our economy begins to recover.
"We are now at a time where a lot of young people are about to finish school and will be looking for opportunities in a number of industries. The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus is a win for business and young people wanting to learn a trade."
The Apprentice Kickstart Bonus will boost the first year incentive payments to employers from $1,500 to $4,850 initially, with a further $2,500 paid to employers after a trainee or apprentice has been employed for a period of nine months.
"This is a considerable increase in incentive and a timely boost for employers," Ms Booth said.
"The latest Commonwealth Bank CCIQ Pulse Survey of Business Conditions demonstrates labour recruitment and retention has re-emerged as a major constraint on business growth.
"The bonus is anticipated to support an additional 21,000 young people in commencing an apprenticeship or traineeship in fields such as carpentry, welding and hairdressing, all of which form part of the National Skills Needs List."
Employers are eligible if they start an Australian apprentice aged 19 years and under between 1 December 2009 and 28 February 2010, in a qualification leading to a traditional trade occupation.
For further information about the Apprentice Kickstart Bonus, or the eligible trades, contact CCIQ on 07 3842 2244 or visit www.cciq.com.au/Business-Skills.
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Nikala Chenoweth
Manager, Marketing & Communications
t: 07 3842 2251
m: 0418 793 967