There are a number of government incentives for apprentices and trainees (also known as New Apprentices) undertaking their apprenticeship or traineeship in a recognised skills shortage trade.
Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarships
What is the Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarship and who will be eligible?
The Scholarship consists of two $500 tax exempt payments and will be available to all Certificate III and IV apprentices and trainees undertaking skill shortage trades.
Why is the Government introducing the Scholarship?
This initiative is part of a package of measures to alleviate skills needs in trade occupations. The Government has introduced the Scholarship to encourage young people to take up and remain in skill shortage trade apprenticeships and traineeships.
How do New Apprentices claim their Scholarship payments?
The Scholarship will be administered by the national network of New Apprenticeships Centres. The Centres are contracted by the Australian Government to administer the New Apprenticeships Incentives Programme. Apprentices and trainees will be able to claim their Scholarship payments from their New Apprenticeships Centre.
When do New Apprentices become eligible to claim their Scholarship payments?
New Apprentices who commence a skills shortage trade qualification on or after 1 July 2004 will be eligible to claim a $500 Scholarship payment at the end of each of the first and second years of their New Apprenticeship.
Where can I find further information?
More information regarding the Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarship initiative is available on the New Apprenticeships website at www.newapprenticeships.gov.au, from New Apprenticeships Centre CCI EMPLOYFAST, or by speaking with an Apprenticeships Western Australia Consultant.
Tools of the Trade
What is the initiative intended to achieve?
The Tools For Your Trade initiative will help to alleviate the financial burden on eligible New Apprentices in the first year of their New Apprenticeship by providing tool kits worth up to $800 including GST.
How will it work?
New Apprentices who start in a New Apprenticeship from 1 July 2005 in a trade experiencing skills needs will receive a tool kit after completing the first three months of their apprenticeship.
The tool kit will be provided to the apprentice or trainee's employer. The employer will make the kit available to the apprentice or trainee to use and the apprentice or trainee will be entitled to keep the kit after they have completed a further six months. 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.
What will the tool kit consist of?
The employer and the apprentice or trainee will choose a tool kit which is most appropriate to the apprentice or trainee and the trade.
Who is eligible?
You may be entitled to a tool kit for undertaking a New Apprenticeship in an area of particular skills need such as:
- Metal Fitter
- Metal Machinist
- Toolmaker
- Metal Fabricator
- Welder
- Sheetmetal Worker
- Motor Mechanic
- Auto Electrician
- Panel Beater
- Vehicle Painter
- Electrician
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Electrical Powerline Trades
- Electronic Instrument Trades
- Electronic Equipment Trades
- Carpenter and Joiner
- Fibrous Plasterer
- Bricklayer
- Solid Plasterer
- Plumber
- Chef
- Cook
- Pastrycook
- Cabinetmaker
- Hairdresser
- Furniture Upholsterer
Where can I find further information?
More information regarding the Tools For Your Trade initiative is available on the Tools For Your Trade website www.toolsforyourtrade.com.au, from New Apprenticeships Centre CCI EMPLOYFAST, or by speaking with an Apprenticeships Western Australia Consultant.
You can also download the Australian Government's Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarships and Tools For Your Trade brochure.