• Motor Mechanic

• • Automotive Electrician
• • Panel Beater
• • Vehicle Painter
• • Vehicle Body Maker
• • Vehicle Trimmer

Who are out-of-trade apprentices?
Out-of-trade apprentices are former apprentices who did not successfully complete their apprenticeships due to being “laid-off” by their employers.

How much are the Securing Apprenticeships and Traineeships payments? When and how will it be paid?
The Securing Apprenticeships payments may provide eligible employers with up to an additional $2,800. This would comprise a wage subsidy of $150 per week paid at the twelve week point after recommencement and an additional completion payment of $1,000 paid on successful completion.

The Securing Apprenticeships wage subsidy will be available to employers who recommence an eligible out-of-trade apprentice on or after 1 January 2009.

The Securing Apprenticeships completion payment will be available to employers, who successfully complete an eligible apprentice on or after 1 January 2009.

Payments will be made through Australian Apprenticeships Centres and will be available for two years until 31 December 2010.

Are the new payments in addition to existing support for employers of apprentices and trainees?
Yes. The new payments are in addition to the suite of employer incentives already available under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program. Employers of apprentices at the Certificate III level may already be eligible to receive $4,000 in incentives comprising a $1,500 commencement incentive and a $2,500 completion incentive.

What support do apprentices receive?
Apprentices undertaking an apprenticeship in a skills shortage occupation may continue to be eligible to receive personal benefits such as the Living Away From Home Allowance, Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarship, Tools For Your Trade, Apprenticeship Training (Fee) Voucher, and Apprenticeship Wage Top-Up or Support for Mid-Career Apprentices.

This information was sourced from the following website: www.australia.gov.au/apprenticeships

There is also the possibility of funding being provided to Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s) to continue training delivery to apprentices who are “laid-off” by their employer but cannot find an alternative or new employer to finish their apprenticeship with.  More information is expected to be released soon providing more detail on this initiative.