BGT Latest News

Kickstart an apprentice's career with a bonus

Local employers are now able to enjoy an additional kickstart when employing an apprentice over the summer months. The Federal Government’s Kickstart incentive is designed to counteract the impact of the recession on retention and commencement of new apprenticeships in traditional trades.

The Federal Government’s Kickstart bonus will provide businesses a bonus of $3,350 for employing an apprentice who is aged 19 years and under in a traditional trade between the dates of 1 December and 28 February.

BGT and VECCI Apprenticeships Services are working together to ensure Ballarat’s businesses don’t miss out. VECCI Apprenticeships Services local field consultant Ian Trigg said “As two experienced and well known local apprentice specialists here in Ballarat it is imperative that we join forces to promote this initiative widely ensuring local business are not only aware but do not miss out on the extra money available”

“We encourage local businesses to take advantage of the bonus and bring forward any decisions to hire new apprentices, or school based apprentices in traditional trades before the end of the summer months.” He said

The Kickstart bonus is in addition to the standard commencement payments received providing the eligible employer with up to a total of $5,850 within the first year of an apprentice’s employment.

BGT General Manager Gerrie Mitra commented “The Federal Government’s decision to ‘kickstart’ apprentice training with increased payments to employers would help make apprenticeship recruitment possible for many businesses in Ballarat”.

“This incentive for youth employment will minimise the risks of local skills shortages and counteract the falling apprenticeship numbers due to the current economic climate” she said.

“There are 21,000 Kickstart commencements available nation wide so we need to ensure that Ballarat businesses are aware of this opportunity and take up the governments offer before the Kickstart capping is reached” she said.

The youth of Ballarat are our future and we as a community need to ensure we provide them with every opportunity to succeed. If there are businesses out there that have a position for an apprentice, trainee or school based learner contact BGT on 5333 1707 or VECCI on 53277100

New Program for the Regions Youth

The Federal Government has developed a new support program for our local youth kicking off as off the 1st of January this year and BGT is delighted to announce their success in securing the funding to deliver the new ‘Youth Connections’ program.

Youth Connections will provide an individualised service for young people most at risk of disengaging from either education or training. Melissa Sizeland, Youth Connections Manager commented, “By assisting to support these young people attain a qualification and help them transition through education into further study, or employment we will provide a structure for them to succeed and become a valuable asset to our community.”

The BGT Youth Connections Program will focus on the 13 – 19 year age group identified as being at risk either from disengaging from education, family or the community. Ms Sizeland said “We will be providing case management for each individual with one on one assistance, group programs, mentoring, advocacy, referrals to specialist services and youth outreach activities.”

Youth Connections has replaced the previous Youth Pathways program run by BGT and incorporates strategic local partners in Lead On and BEST Community Development. Lead On will be providing a mentoring program for the disengaged youth and BEST Community Development will participate in engaging young people with training activities as required. Sarah-Kate Brusey, Manager Lead On commented that “this partnership will strengthen and provide more options for the disengaged young people in Ballarat and surrounding regions.”

Young people can participate in Youth Connections to satisfy obligations relating to the receipt of income support from Centrelink.

BGT will run the Youth Connections program in Ballarat and Western Regions including Ararat, Stawell, Horsham, Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh with staff at each location providing support.

BGT provides opportunities for local youth whether that is an apprenticeship, traineeship, training or educational support services. BGT are dedicated to the community and provide support services for the young people in their quest to achieve their goals.

Saving program to help send kids back-to-school

Getting kids back to school can be tough financially, but it doesn’t have to be.

Many Ballarat families had fewer back-to-school money woes this January, having had their savings for education expenses matched during 2009.

BGT is encouraging Ballarat families to join Saver Plus, a matched saving and financial education program that can assist them to pay for educational costs including school books, uniforms, computers and excursions, by matching their savings dollar for dollar up to $500.

Cheryl Luscombe, Saver Plus coordinator from BGT said many families can find it difficult to afford back-to-school costs particularly after an expensive holiday period.

“Basic back-to-school needs such as uniforms, books, shoes and bags can cost hundreds of dollars for a single child and increase significantly when extra-curricular activities such as excursions, camps and cooking, woodwork and textile classes are included,” she said.

“Saver Plus prepares families by encouraging them to save small amounts of money throughout the year using simple techniques such as budgets, spending diaries and prompting people to consider ‘needs’ versus ‘wants’.

“By the end of the year participants often feel they are more in control of their spending and are motivated to save on a regular basis.”

Tips that could assist families to save for education include:
• Open a ‘save for education’ account into which money can be automatically deposited
• Shop around for education items to find the best value for money
• Use cash rather than credit card to buy school items or use lay-by to spread out spending
• Buy second-hand textbooks and uniforms from school cooperatives

Since it commenced in 2002, Saver Plus has assisted more than 5000 families or individuals to build a lasting savings habit and to save for educational expenses.

The program was developed by Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ in 2002 and was recently expanded from 20 to 60 locations nationwide. The expansion is funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, while ANZ provides funding for the matched savings.

Saver Plus is delivered by organisations including the Brotherhood of St Laurence, The Smith Family, Berry Street and The Benevolent Society at up to 60 locations around Australia.

“ANZ is proud to support this great program and to be working closely with our community partners to create pathways to financial security and prosperity, particularly for disadvantaged communities,” she said.

People who have a health care or pension card and have children enrolled in school or who are attending or returning to vocational education themselves can apply.

Families interested in applying to join Saver Plus can visit www.bgt.org.au or phone 5333 1707.