Media Release
19 February 2009
Builders Back Securing Apprenticeships Plan
Statement by Wilhelm Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer
Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction industry, has
welcomed the announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister today of the Australian
Government’s $145.6 million Securing Apprenticeships Plan.
Mr 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 Mr 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.
Contact: Wilhelm Harnisch, Chief Executive Mobile: 0402 039 039
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