Federal government targets apprentices with $57.5 million

The $57.5 million boost is designed to encourage young workers that taking up apprenticeships in traditional trades is in fact a worthwhile choice. "There has been a big emphasis put on university education, and many parents feel that they have failed if their kids don't go to uni," explained the Hon Andrew Robb, federal minister for vocational and further education.

"It's important that the government says that apprentices are important to us."

Occupations including binders and finishers, printing machinists, screen printers, signwriters, aircraft maintenance engineers, butchers, flat glass trades, furniture finishers, locksmiths, optical mechanics, painters and decorators, picture framers, shearers, tree surgeons, vehicle trimmers and wood machinists will now join 38 trades previously eligible to access a range of Australian government incentives.

These incentives include:
* $2,000 Apprenticeship Wage Top-Up
* $1,000 Apprenticeship Training (FEE) Vouchers
* $800 Tool Kit
* $13,000 Wage Subsidy for Apprentices ages over 30 years
* $1,000 Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarship and
* $1,000 Rural and Regional Skills Shortage Employer Incentives

"The creation of this new list means that we can support more people to take on an Australian apprenticeship in areas that are crying out for workers," Robb said.

For Robert Fuller, general manager of Printing Industries, the news couldn't have come at a better time. Fuller is often privy to receiving complaints from TAFE teachers who cannot understand why students aren't supplied with their own tool kit and other necessities.

"This announcement will rectify all of that," Fuller said.

Pictured below (l-r): Nathan Rowley; Hagop Tchamkertenian; Troy Williams; Andrew Robb; Philip Andersen; Marise Payne and Robert Tran.

CEO Philip Andersen reiterated these thoughts. "We welcome and thank the Federal Government for its recognition of the difficulties faced by employers trying to attract young and not so young apprentices to an industry rapidly undergoing technology inspired change but often mistakenly portrayed as being a traditional industry rather than being technologically innovative. The Minister's actions today are recognition of this and the need to improve skill sets in the industry," he said.

Three first-year apprentices, Robert Tran, Nathan Rowley and Troy Williams, from Offset Alpine Printing attended the Printing Industries office to hear Robb's announcement, which they believe will play an important part in advancing their careers.

"It's great and will help a lot," said 28-year-old Robert Tran. "I've been trying to get my own tools for a while and they're too expensive; they cost a lot."

With the $800 tool kit allowance, this will no longer be a problem for Tran. The funding will help to alleviate some of the financial burden that comes with being an apprentice.

Pictured above: first-year apprentices Robert Tran (left); Nathan Rowley (centre) and Troy Williams (right).

"The first-year apprentice base wage isn't much so this is a good kick-start and it will help us learn more," said 17-year-old Nathan Rowley.

The three boys spoke highly of the printing industry and said that they would recommend the profession to others. "Printing is one of the best trades to get into today," said Rowley.

"People think it's just about pressing buttons but it's a lot more involved than that."

Politicians congratulate printing apprentcies - the future of our industry. Pictured (l-r): Robert Tran; Marise Payne; Andrew Robb; Troy Williams and Nathan Rowley.
Source: print21online