An essential feature of this is to promote the take up and retention of Victorians into apprenticeships – particularly the traditional trade areas acknowledged as areas of looming skills shortages.

To build on the success of the Completions Bonus Program, introduced in 2003, which provides support to employers who retain apprentices through to completion, the Government also wishes to provide assistance to persons who have entered into traditional trades apprentices. This is consistent with the Skills Statement’s “Making It Easier” strategy and theme of providing more support to apprentices.

The Government has therefore introduced an Apprentice Trade Bonus which will be applicable to apprentices in the traditional trades.