Employers in the state's construction industry will receive a further $2,000 from the state government for each apprentice they take on from next year after a 40 per cent drop in commencements was recorded this year.The government has also released an issues paper, focusing on a workforce development plan that will tackle the state's need for more skilled workers as big resources projects come online.
Training Minister Peter Collier today said the Building and Construction Industry Training Board had decided to increase the maximum subsidy for employers that take on new apprentices to $9,000, starting from next year.
"The board believes many employers in the construction sector are still concerned about the economy and the bonuses are aimed at easing uncertainty," he said.
The board has also applied a further 10 per cent increase for country apprentices in the south of the state and 20 per cent increase for apprentices in the north, bringing the subsidies to $9,900 and $10, 800 respectively.
The eligibility criteria for employers hiring mature-aged apprentices has changed from 30 to 21 years of age, while employers will receive a bonus payment of up to $3,000 in addition to the existing subsidies.
The subsidy recognises the increased costs associated with employing mature-aged apprentices, Mr Collier said.
Meantime, Mr Coller said the workforce development plan will address key areas including labour market demand and supply on an industry and regional basis, identification of skilled worker and labour shortages and targeted use of migration.
Development of the plan will be a consultative process, with submissions to be invited and a series of stakeholder forums and workshops arranged.
The plan will be coordinated by the newly created Department of Training and Workforce Development.
The plan has been welcomed by the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy.
Both organisations said they were looking forward to working closely with the state government to identify the resource sector's skills and labour requirements and develop strategies to access and retain a diverse and skilled workforce.
