Neal McLary, national manager – training policy at Printing Industries says the Federal Government’s decision to kick-start apprentice training with increased payments to employers will help make apprenticeship recruitment possible for many printing industry companies.

He says, “The kick-start bonus will boost the first year bonus payments to employers from $1500 to an initial $4850 in eligible trades which include print machining and binding and finishing.”

McLary continues, “It’s certainly no lottery win for employers, but in difficult times when apprenticeship numbers are falling quite dramatically in our industry, it is a welcome incentive for companies to reconsider their positions to take advantage of the funding.”

The funding will be available for apprentice intakes between December 1, 2009 and February 28, 2010, according to the Association.

McLary also says, “Such initiatives are practical and responsive to our labour market needs. They help minimise the risk of skill shortages arising from the downfall in apprenticeship enrolments currently being experienced through the economic downturn. They are also a considerable boost for the prospects of Australian youth seeking a trade.”

Printing Industries continues the $100m announcement supports an additional 21,000 apprentice commencements by boosting the first year bonus payment to employers of ‘traditional trades’ apprentices from $1500 to $4850 or an additional $2,350. After a period of nine months employers will be eligible for a further $2500 payment.

‘Traditional trades’ are trades listed on the National Skills Needs List which currently includes binding and finishing and print machining.

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