NEARLY 80 local employers attended a soiree at the Rockingham Cruising Yacht Club recently to hear about apprenticeship and training opportunities to help stimulate the local economy.
The meeting was hosted by the Group Training Association and the Federal Government’s Local Employment Coordinator John McIlhone.
Nearly 80 employers from the local area heard about apprenticeships, special group training arrangements that can reduce the administration and long-term commitment associated with employing apprentices and the current Kickstart incentive available to encourage the take-up of new apprentices.
During the global economic crisis, the number of new apprentices in Australia declined by about 20 per cent, raising concerns of a shortage of qualified and skilled tradespeople critical for the future .
South West Perth was designated a Priority Employment Area as a result of the increase in unemployment in the region and the large number of manufacturing jobs that were vulnerable to the effects of the economic slowdown.
In order to maintain the supply of qualified people in traditional trades, the Federal Government introduced the Kickstart incentive, applicable until February 28, to encourage the take-up of apprentices as the Australian economy recovers.
The Apprentice Kickstart bonus is $3350 paid in instalments and is in addition to existing incentives.
The Group Training Association in WA has been contracted by the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development to assist partially qualified apprentices, suspended through the downturn, with their return to work to complete their apprenticeship.