Media Release
16 October 2009
Master Builders Backs Kickstart Apprenticeships Program
Statement by Wilhelm Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer
Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction industry, today
strongly supported the refocussing of the Government’s Jobs Fund stimulus measure to
assisting
employers through increased incentives to take on more traditional trade
apprentices.
Mr Wilhelm Harnisch, the CEO of Master Builders Australia said, “The building industry has a
substantial structural skills shortage which will become very evident once the economic
recovery gathers a
head of steam and which will add to substantial labour cost increases
unless the skills shortage can be met.
“There is currently a short fall of nearly 5,000 building apprentice commencements since last
year and the Apprenticeship Kickstart Program should therefore help fill this apprenticeship
deficit in the building and construction industry.
“The Government’s Apprenticeship Kickstart Program is strongly supported
because of its
focus on encouraging employers to take on younger building apprentices during the current
soft conditions in the building and construction industry
and its
forward looking focus on
green skills.
The Government’s response follows Master Builders call for greater
apprenticeship incentives.”
Mr Harnisch said, “Master Builders will strongly encourage builders to take advantage of the
increased financial incentives to take on more building apprentices
such as carpenters,
bricklayers and painters over the December 2009 – February 2010 period.”
Master Builders also strongly supports the Government’s decision to provide a further $20
million for pre-apprenticeship training. This will provide many young people with the
opportunity to embark on a very rewarding career through a building industry apprenticeship.
He said, “The Government’s stimulus measures, including the Jobs Fund, are providing
much needed opportunities for employers and future apprentices in the building and
construction industry,
while at the same time,
contributing to the Governments economic
recovery strategy in ensuring that future skill shortages are addressed.
“The medium to long term outlook for the building and construction industry is very positive.
Master Builders has estimated that nearly $1.2 trillion worth of investment in building and
construction will occur over the next 8-10 years which will require at least another 200,000
people with building industry skills.”
Contact:
Wilhelm Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer
Mobile: 0402 039 039
Neil Gow, National Manager Training
Mobile: 0412 699 565
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