Apprentice incentive kickstarts employers into action

Following the announcement of the Kickstart initiative, MRAEL Group says it has been inundated with enquiries from the construction sector wanting to take advantage of the incentive.

The $57.5 million Kickstart initiative will almost triple the incentive paid to employers who take on apprentices between 1 December 2012 and 28 February 2013. The first 21,000 employers to take on an apprentice from the National Skills Needs List during this period will receive an additional $3350. Trades on the list include electrical, bricklaying, cabinetmaking, carpentry, plumbing, roof tiling, stonemasonry and welding.

According to Christine Dixon, General Manager of MRAEL Group, the future is much brighter for employers and apprentices alike thanks to the new incentives.

“The Apprentice Kickstart initiative is designed to give young Australians the opportunity to learn a trade and will give a much needed boost to the industry,” Dixon said. “Our office has already received enquiries from enthusiastic employers wanting to know if they are eligible to take advantage of the additional incentives.

“There has also been a lot of interest from potential apprentices registering with MRAEL showing great interest in the initiative.”

Employers should research which benefits they are entitled to so they don’t miss out, Dixon said. “As an employer of an apprentice, it can be really difficult to navigate government incentives, and know when and how to fill in the correct paperwork. As an Australian Apprenticeships Centre, we are able to help employers every step of the way,” Dixon said.

More information about the Apprentice Kickstart Initiative is available on the Australian Apprenticeships website. Australian Apprenticeships Centres like MRAEL Group are contracted by the Australian Government to provide Australian Apprenticeships Support Services to employers and Australian apprentices.