Apprentice Kickstart incentive extended

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) advises that the federal government has announced an extension of its $57.5 million Apprentice Kickstart Initiative. The Kickstart Initiative was introduced late last year and has been extended until 30 April 2013. Employers are set to benefit from this program, receiving almost a 50% boost to existing incentives for employing an apprentice.

The Apprentice Kickstart Initiative is an employer incentive designed to increase the number of Australian Apprenticeship commencements. Areas of benefit include skills shortage areas of the building and construction industries, and engineering trades.

Small to medium enterprises and group training organisations are eligible for the Apprentice Kickstart Initiative. The apprentice must commence between 1 December 2012 and 30 April 2013 inclusive to be eligible.

Apprentices must be undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to a building or construction occupation listed on the National Skills Needs List (NSNL). Alternatively, a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to an engineering trade occupation listed on the NSNL.

The employer must also meet eligibility requirements under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.

The new payments are in addition to the suite of employer incentives already available under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program. View our apprentice incentives guide here.

The Apprentice Kickstart Initiative is available for new apprentices between 1 December 2012 and 30 April 2013. If new apprentice commencement numbers reach 21,000 before the end of this period, the initiative will cease. The first incentive is worth $850 and payment is six months from the date of commencement. The second is $2500 where payment is 12 months from the date of commencement.

The Australian Apprenticeships Centre will advise applicants of eligibility for the Apprentice Kickstart Initiative at sign-up.