New year delivers a boost to thousands of apprentices
More than 60,000 apprentices around Australia will get a little extra help to finish their apprenticeships under new rules that come into force in 2015.
ACTU President Ged Kearney said apprentices across all industries will now be reimbursed for the cost of course fees, text books and travel and accommodation costs if they have to travel long distances to attend TAFE training.
“This is a huge win by unions for young Australians studying a trade, which will help boost the number of apprentices who finish their training and go on to enter the workforce,” said Ms Kearney.
“Only 47 per cent of apprentices who started their training in 2009 went on to finish their apprenticeship – we know that low wages and extra training costs are a big factor in this.”
“Ensuring all apprentices can be reimbursed for their training costs will make it easier for thousands of young Australians to finish their trade and get a job.”
“Unions first won these conditions in 2013 for construction, manufacturing and electrical apprentices, which includes about 70 per cent of apprenticeships.”
The ACTU secured the entitlement for all apprentices under the Fair Work Commission’s review of the award system last month, with the changes coming into effect on January 1, 2015.
Ms Kearney said the win will benefit about 62,000 apprentices currently in training, who were not previously covered.
