Apprenticeships in Queensland have received a boost following the introduction of Kickstart payments for people interested in pursuing careers in the construction industry.
This is according to federal skills minister Chris Evans, who was quoted by The Australian as stating around 100 people have applied for such schemes in the last two weeks alone.
Announced in October, the $57.5 million Kickstart initiative is designed to attract 21,000 extra apprentices into the construction sector by February.
Companies that take on apprentices between December and February will receive additional incentive payments of $3,350, bringing the total amount paid for each apprentice to $12,350.
Mr Evans said plumbing, carpentry and engineering fabrication are all industries that have featured strongly in Kickstart applications.
When Kickstart launched, the politician said it was geared towards delivering the right people where they were needed the most.
And this week he highlighted how important the initiative is for teenagers across the country.
“This is the perfect opportunity for school leavers in particular to get a head start on a successful and rewarding career in the [building and construction] industry.
“We will need more skilled tradespeople in the housing sector as we approach the predicted upturn in 2014 and 2015.”
