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$150 million plan to save apprentice jobs

Article extracted from HeraldSun.com.au

February 19, 2009

THE Federal Government will pump almost $150 million into a scheme to help apprentices keep their jobs amid the global recession.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard said employers and training organisations may be eligible to receive up to an extra $2800 under the $145.6 million Securing Apprenticeships package.

Some $1800 is available for employers or training organisations taking on former apprentices or trainees who couldn't complete their apprenticeships because they were laid off by their employers.

A $1000 payment will also be paid upon the successful completion of eligible apprentices or trainees.

Ms Gillard said the Government was already receiving reports that some apprenticeships were being handed back by employers.

"This is one example of the action we are ready to take to counter a downturn in skills investment," she said.

The payments under the package will be on top of existing incentives.

The program will be targeted at apprentices or trainees at the Certificate III and IV level in areas of skills shortage and at selected Diploma and Advanced Diploma level qualifications.