Apprentice incentives hoped to heighten home builds

BUDDING tradies who take up apprenticeships in the residential housing or clean energy sectors will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in incentive payments, on top of their wages, from 1 July.

They will receive $2000 after their first six months, followed by further payments at 12, 24 and 36 months, then at the completion of their apprenticeship.

The scheme comes under the umbrella of the recently released Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System, which found cost-of-living pressures are steering people away from starting apprenticeships.

Eligible occupations for the housing construction stream will be determined in consultation with Jobs and Skills Australia and Jobs and Skills Councils.

The allowance paid to apprentices living away from home will also be raised for the first time since 2003.

“We want to build more homes for more Australians, but we can’t do that without a skilled workforce to help build our future,” Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said.

“This incentive encourages more Australians to take up a trade and supports them on their journey to finish their apprenticeship.”

According to the Federal Government, encouraging more people into apprenticeships will ensure Australia has the workforce to deliver its target to deliver 1.2 million homes over the next five years.

The Government claims this builds on its plan to support more students and trainees through expanding free TAFE and reducing HECS fees for university students.

The review can be accessed on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.