LOCAL APPRENTICES TO BENEFIT FROM $2,000 WAGE TOP UP
The Australian Parliament last week passed important legislation which will provide Australian Apprentices with a $2000 Wage Top Up, Philip Ruddock, Member for Berowra, was pleased to announce.
The Wage Top Up will provide $2000 tax free over two years into the pockets of Australian Apprentices to boost their income in their early years of an apprenticeship when it can be particularly tough financially.
“This Wage-Top Up will make a real difference to lives of apprentices,” said Mr Ruddock.
“The $2000 will help apprentices with things like car insurance or registration, buying work clothes, or paying the bond for a flat.
“There are 2100 apprentices in the electorate of Berowra, an increase of 192% since 1996. This measure will encourage more young people to pursue an important trade career. The $2000 Wage-Top Up was part of a package announced in the recent Budget, which also included $1000 Fee Vouchers for apprentices.”
“Both of these measures will make a huge difference to the lives of apprentices. It will also demonstrate to apprentices the importance the community attaches to such training. It will help to lift the status of vocational and trade careers.”
First and second year apprentices in skills shortage areas will receive the $2000 in four $500 payments deposited directly into their bank accounts. In addition to the $2000 Wage-Top Up, apprentices may also be eligible for:
• $1000 Fee vouchers to assist with fees for TAFE or other training courses
• $800 Tool Kit
• $1000 Commonwealth Trade Learning Scholarship
• Living Away from Home Allowance
• Austudy
• Youth Allowance; and
• Abstudy.
The Howard Government has increased spending on vocational and further education by 99% in real terms, from $1 billion in 1996 to $2.9 billion in 2007.
For further information on the Wage-Top Up or other federal government initiatives please visit www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au or call 13 38 73.