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