News Apprentice Kickstart Extension The Apprentice Kickstart Extension triples the first year incentive payment to small and medium-sized employers who put on a new young apprentice in a skills shortage trade between 12 May 2010 and 12 November 2010 (inclusive). This new phase follows the success of the initial Apprentice Kickstart program over the summer of 2009–10, when employers in traditional trades took on about 24 400 young apprentices. The measure was important in lifting the youth apprenticeship commencement rate to above pre-GFC levels. Who is eligible for the Apprentice Kickstart Extension? Small and medium-sized employers (less than 200 employees) and registered group training organisations, who employ an Australian Apprentice who is aged 19 years and under and undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to a skills shortage trade occupation. Trade occupations in national skills shortage are those listed on the National Skills Needs List The Apprentice Kickstart Extension is payable for commencements from 12 May until 12 November 2010 (inclusive). The employer must also meet all other eligibility requirements under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program. How do I apply? Please call Phil Mumford on 1300 363 831. What financial support is available under the Apprentice Kickstart Extension? By accessing the Apprentice Kickstart Extension, employers will receive $3350 in bonus payments in addition to the existing $1500 commencement incentive if they engage and retain young (aged 19 and under) traditional trade apprentices in a skill shortage area. The existing $1500 commencement incentive payable at the three month point will be boosted by a bonus of $850 plus $2500 paid after nine months. How long is the Apprentice Kickstart Extension available for? The Apprentice Kickstart Extension is payable for commencements from 12 May until 12 November 2010 (inclusive). How are the Apprentice Kickstart Extension payments made? Payments are made directly to the employer’s nominated bank account. How do I obtain further information? If you have any questions or would like some more information, please contact Phil Mumford on: t: 1300 363 831 m: 0400 455 639 f: 02 4969 9630 e: phil.mumford@australianapprenticeshipsalliance.com.au w: australianapprenticeshipsalliance.com.au  BUSY At Work meets Prime Minister Kevin Rudd In June our alliance partner, BUSY At Work’s CEO, Vivienne Mallinson, Deputy CEO Paul Miles and Divisional Manager Maria Mallinson, met with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The meeting occurred after the Community Cabinet meeting at Beenleigh State High School in South East Queensland. The BUSY team presented the Prime Minister with an interactive presentation and discussed the social inclusion agenda. Vivienne Mallinson said ‘it was a great opportunity for us to share our ideas and find ways that we can all work together for the benefit of the Australian economy’. 2009 Ministers Awards for Excellence The Hon Julia Gillard MP presents Mary Schenk, JobNet Tasmania with Ministers Awards for Support Services Excellence. Mary Schenk was one of just 3 finalists in the 2009 ‘Ministers Awards for Support Services Excellence’. At the presentation dinner, held in the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra, Mary was congratulated by the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, for her efforts to promote Australian Apprenticeships to employers, and for her amazing efforts in mentoring apprentices and servicing her employer clients. In the submission provided to DEEWR, in support of Mary for the award, Pat Kearney, Managing Director of EDA RTO, wrote ‘Mary is the true professional who has that rare skill of meeting the needs of all her client groups – the client company managers, the training program participants and the training organisations. That’s why you will find her in a freezing warehouse at six in the morning waiting for a driver to arrive from Launceston and back there again at ten that night when a different worker is about to start a shift. Would you believe Mary worked in a transport depot during her Christmas – New Year holiday break to finalise some agreements to make sure the workers didn’t miss out on access to a special training program? That is exceptional dedication and service, then again, to us, that’s Mary!’. Mary Schenk looks forward to continuing to meet the needs of the employers, potential apprentices, parents and apprentices who utilise the Australian Apprenticeships Support Services provided by JobNet Tasmania. As Tasmania's largest Australian Apprenticeships Centre, JobNet Tasmania is proud of Mary's efforts, as she reflects the culture of the organisation towards providing service excellence to all of our clients."