Patron - Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
GTA is the national peak body representing the network of over 150 Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employing apprentices
and trainees throughout Australia.
13 August 2010
Apprentice incentive payment a boost to skills investment
Group Training Australia (GTA), representing the single largest network employing
apprentices and trainees,
today welcomed the Government’s plan to boost
the Trades
Apprentice Income Bonus as a means of raising the number of apprentices completing their
training.
The Chief Executive Officer of GTA, Jim Barron said that the issue of attrition of apprentices
in early years remains one of the great policy challenges in the vocational education and
training (VET) sector.
“Every time a young apprentice drops out, Australia’s future skill base is further eroded. It is
critical that policy addresses the triple challenge of apprentice commencement, progression
and completion.
“Today’s initiative by the Government is very welcome and should be applauded by all those
interested in boosting apprentice numbers.
“The wages of apprentices are a contributing factor in the rate at which young people enter
and progress through their apprenticeship. An economic study undertaken by GTA in 2007,
‘Living Standards of Apprentices’,
shone a very bright light on the numerous challenges
apprentices face due to low wages in the first and second years of many trade
apprenticeships.
“This initiative is the latest in a series of measures aimed at boosting apprentice take-home
pay and locking in higher completion rates. It is also recognition that current apprentice wage
rates are often inadequate,
and puts into sharper
focus the upcoming Fair Work Australia
review of apprentice and training wages.
“Securing a future skilled workforce for Australia is paramount. Investing in apprentices
through a significant boost to their financial remuneration is a major step in the right direction.
Mr Barron also welcomed the announcement of a further $20 million to the Trade Apprentice
Mentoring initiative that will help some 40,000 apprentices to receive targeted mentoring and
assistance.
“This affirms the holistic approach now required to secure successful apprenticeship
outcomes. Group training organisations with their reservoir of experience, knowledge and
their extensive field officer support network are the ideal agency to give effect to this
initiative,” Mr Barron said.
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Group Training Australia is the national peak body representing the network of over 150
Group Training Organisations (GTOs) employing apprentices and trainees throughout
MEDIA RELEASE
Australia. GTA was recently awarded the Council of Small Business Organisations of
Australia (COSBOA) Small Business Champion Award 2010.
Media Contact:
Bob Bowden, Foresight Communications, 02 9241 2811, 0412 753 298,
bbowden@bowmac.com.au
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