The Government has launched the Queensland Apprenticeship Pledge, a new scheme that will invest $36 million in the state to create new apprenticeships.
Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek, and Assistant Minister for Technical and Further Education Saxon Rice launched the Pledge at the South Brisbane headquarters and training facility of Queensland entrepreneur Stefan Ackerie.
The Pledge is designed to provide an incentive to employers to take on apprentices. Rice encourages businesses to be a part of the initiative, in which employers will be paid up to $6000 for each additional apprentice taken on this financial year.
“The four pillars of the state’s economy – the resources, tourism, construction and agriculture industries – are all significant employers of apprentices and I have no doubt that these industries will benefit from this exciting initiative,” said Rice.
“Under the Queensland Apprenticeship Pledge we’ve set a target of 6,000 new apprentices, taken on this financial year over and above normal recruitment and retention practices.
“The only way to get the bonus is to pledge to employ additional apprentices, so I encourage businesses to sign up to the Apprenticeship Pledge today.”
Ackerie employs 200 apprentices in his total of 540 staff and is proud to take up the Pledge.
“As one of Queensland’s most significant employers of new apprentices, I think this is a great idea and should give employers the confidence to look at their apprentice numbers with a view to expanding,” Ackerie said.
“I rate the employment, education and training of thousands of people as one of my proudest contributions to Australia over 50 years in business.
“In 1995, I entered a partnership with the Southbank Institute of TAFE to establish a joint training venture, which has grown into the purpose built education centre you see here today.
“Today, Stefan Hair Fashions is pledging to start an additional 30 apprentices in response to the Queensland Apprenticeship Pledge.”
Employers can sign up to the Pledge here.