Master Builders Australia has welcomed the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Australian Government’s $145.6 million Securing Apprenticeships Plan.

Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia, said, “The $145.6 million Securing Apprenticeships Plan, which will be given immediate effect, is a welcome initiative in supporting employers to retain apprentices in what will be a very difficult economic environment over the next two years.”

The Australian Government incentives available to employers and Group Training

Organisations will be increased by $1,000 on the completion of an apprenticeship. A wage subsidy of up to $1800 will also be available to employers and Group Training Organisations who take on eligible out-of-trade apprentices at certificate III or IV level in any skills shortage areas, and for selected Diploma and Advanced Diploma level qualifications.

For the building and construction industry all of the building trades have been identified as skills shortage areas and will therefore benefit from the Securing Apprenticeships Plan.

The associated $9.7 million Securing Apprenticeships through Registered Training

Organisations program, which provides financial assistance to Registered Training

Organisations to enable out of trade apprentices to continue their off the job training, commences from 1 July 2009.

“Maintaining a viable long term skills base for the building and construction industry is imperative for our industry’s future productivity and capacity, and will assist in delivering the Government’s $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan,” said Harnisch.

“Apprentices will carry the future of the building and construction industry, and Master Builders Australia warmly welcomes this support from the Australian Government, which is an investment in both the future of our apprentices and of the nation,” he concluded.