$1000 BONUS FOR FAST-TRACKED TRADE APPRENTICES

The first Queensland apprentices to be rewarded under a State Government incentive scheme for completing their training ahead of schedule have received their $1000 bonuses.

Premier Peter Beattie said the Queensland Government was investing $7.2 million over the next four years into the $1000 early completion bonus scheme to help fast track apprentices in areas where Queensland is experiencing a skills shortage.

“The bonus is being provided to apprentices who complete their training at least six months early in industries which have skills shortages,” Mr Beattie said.

“These include industries such as automotive, construction, engineering, electrotechnology and commercial cookery.

“Queensland’s continued strong economic growth relies on a pool of skilled tradespeople and technicians to meet the demands of a growing population.

“This bonus will help us provide more qualified workers, sooner, in industries that have a skills shortage.”

“This is an important incentive for highly motivated apprentices like Fiona McSweeney, who completed her 4-year apprenticeship 16 months early, and Krystal Harris and Ivan Dewar who have both completed their 4-year apprenticeships 15 months ahead of schedule,” Mr Beattie said.

Ms McSweeney (automotive) from Westpoint Autos, Toowong; Ms Harris (commercial cookery) from Wiz Café, Eight Mile Plains and Mr Dewar (automotive) from Sci-Fleet Toyota, Albion; were members of the first, small group of eligible apprentices who were presented with their bonuses by Education and Training Minister Rod Welford in a special ceremony at Parliament House today.

The other recipients acknowledged today were Joshua Stevenson (plumbing) from Tubeline Plumbing, Victoria Point; Garrett Smits (carpentry) from Richard Smits Property Maintenance, Cleveland; and Peter Vermeer (plumbing) from Vermeer Renovations, Mitchelton.

“The introduction of the completion bonus means that more and more qualified workers will start to enter the workforce ahead of time bringing with them much needed skills,” Mr Welford said.

“Following the Australian Tax Office’s ruling that the $1000 bonus would attract tax, my department will cover the taxes incurred on behalf of the apprentices.

“Our Government has made significant gains in increasing training numbers in Queensland.

“Queensland continues to lead the way in combating skills shortages, with the number of people taking up apprenticeships and traineeships increasing at more than double the national rate.

“Figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research show that 57,500 people commenced an apprenticeship or traineeship in the 12 months to the end of December 2006.”

Full-time and part-time apprentices eligible for the bonus will be sent an application form upon early completion of their apprenticeship.

The early completion incentive is an initiative of the State Government’s $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan.

For more information about the incentive program call Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.

Media contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Minister’s Office – 3237 1000