Local employers are being encouraged to sign up to employ extra apprentices and receive a $6,000 bonus from the Queensland Government.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett congratulated Agnes Water based company Cross Earth Moving which had been quick off the mark with a pledge to employ three additional apprentices.
“The Bundaberg and Burnett region has more than 600 apprentices who make an important contribution to our district’s current and future prosperity,” Mr Bennett said.
“I know a lot of employers are tradies themselves and have personally experienced the opportunity that an apprenticeship provides. This is a golden opportunity for them to return the favour and give someone else a start.
“A thriving economy needs a skilled workforce, and the government is putting up this money to encourage employers to invest in providing those skills and employment opportunities.”
Cross Earthmoving Office Manager Carolyn Cross said her company was pleased to take on the three apprentices who would complete a certificate three in civil construction plant operations.
She said her company recognised the need to ensure their employees were properly qualified in line with industry requirements.
“There are a lot of people coming into the industry, but if they have no formal qualifications it’s a lot harder for bigger companies to take them on,” she said.
“It’s showing support to the employees as well, in keeping their qualifications up-to-date and useful… it gives them news skills.”
Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek encouraged Queensland businesses to take the challenge and sign up to the Queensland Apprenticeship Pledge.
“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,” Mr Langbroek said.
“The pledge is a fantastic incentive for employers to invest in the future of the state and their own business by taking on more apprentices, or perhaps pledging to sign up their first.
“It’s part of our strong plan to improve employment opportunities and create the jobs of the future.”
Mr Langbroek said the Queensland Apprenticeship Pledge bonus would be paid in two instalments, $4,000 in a year’s time and $2,000 in two years.
“Employers can sign up to the pledge at the website www.training.qld.gov.au/pledge which includes guidelines and a fact sheet,” he said.