Master Builders has called on building and construction industry employers to take advantage of the return of the Federal Government's Kickstart Apprenticeship bonus.
The Kickstart bonus offers a two stage payment totalling $3,350 for small to medium sized employers and group training organisations who engage a new apprentice. The incentive is available for most construction trades.
Chief Executive of Master Builders Australia, Wilhelm Harnisch, urged employers in the industry to take advantage of the renewal of the scheme, which runs until 28 February 2013.
"After the success of the first Kickstart bonus in 2009-10, its return provides a welcome boost for the industry, which is caught in a prolonged period of downturn. The weak conditions have resulted in construction apprenticeship commencements falling by an alarming 29 per cent in a year.
"Unless addressed quickly, the current decline in apprenticeship numbers will inevitably lead to inflationary pressures and blow-outs in project times as industry activity returns to normal levels over the coming years," Mr Harnisch said.
The return of the Kickstart bonus, combined with other initiatives such as Master Builders' Construction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme (CAMS), will help meet the industry's future demand for skilled jobs of 35,000 new entrants on average per year.
"Kickstart will serve as a catalyst for engaging up to 21,000 new apprentices, while CAMS will help guide apprentices through the challenges they face during training and onto a rewarding career in the building and construction industry," Mr Harnisch said.
