A record-breaking number of Australians are picking up the tools and learning a trade as apprenticeship numbers continue to climb.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has welcomed new figures which show in July 2021 there 217,400 Australians in-training trade apprenticeships – the highest number since records began in 1963.

“The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy has been a massive support to local businesses looking to take on new apprentices and trainees,” Mr Pitt said.

“We already have more than 1,000 apprentices in Hinkler and these support programs have led to more opportunities for apprentices and trainees to learn life-long skills.

“As a former apprentice and tradie, I know once you have a trade behind you it can take you anywhere.”

In contrast, under Labor, incentives to employee apprentices were cut nine times between 2011 and 2013, totalling $1.2 billion.

National Centre for Vocational Education Research data also shows apprentices and trainees in-training collapsed by 22 per cent, or 111,320 through 2012-13. 

“Due to the financial boost to local businesses, the Coalition Government has turned this around and provided Australians with opportunity, jobs and a stronger local economy,” Mr Pitt said.

An additional $716 million has been committed to the Completing Apprenticeship Commencements program to extend support into the second and third year of an eligible Australian apprenticeship.

“This will give employers the confidence to retain an apprentice in their second and third years of training right through to completion,” he said.

From October 2021, eligible employers will receive a 10 per cent wage subsidy in the second year of an eligible apprenticeship, and five per cent in the third year.

It’s expected to continue to support the 270,000 anticipated commencements under the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program from October 2020 to March 2022.

For further information visit www.dese.gov.au/boosting-apprenticeship-commencements.