Based on the 2013 Federal Budget announcement information to date, there are no changes to the current Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program, however there are new initiatives.

The Australian Government is committed to continuing the significant investment in skills and training to ensure Australia’s training system is aligned to the needs of industry and the economy.

The following initiatives will be implemented from 1 July 2013:

Over four years from 2013-2014, the Alternative Pathways for the Trades Pilot Program will trial new training models for trade and technical occupations as an alternative to the time-based apprenticeships model. The Government will invest more than $68 million in the pilot, trialling industry-led and innovative approaches to training and targeting areas of skills demand. More information can be found at http://minister.innovation.gov.au/craigemerson/MediaReleases/Pages/Newtradespathwayspilotrespondstoindustryneeds.aspx

A new Skills Connect Fund will provide industry with a single point access for skills and workforce development support. The Government will invest $45 million in the Skills Connect Fund, which will remove the need for businesses to negotiate multiple programs and complex application processes. The new Skills Connect Fund is based on stakeholder feedback and will make it easier for businesses to access Australian Government support for skills and workforce development. More information can be found at http://minister.innovation.gov.au/gregcombet/MediaReleases/Pages/ConnectingSkillswithIndustry.aspx

The new Apprentice to Business owner (AtoB) program commenced in 2013. It provides training in a nationally recognised qualification in small business management, and includes business mentoring support for up to 12 months.

The program supports eligible tradespeople who are seeking to, or have recently, established a business. It is delivered nationwide across both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas by AtoB Program Brokers.

Many tradespeople operate as subcontractors, sole operators or small businesses. To establish a successful business, in addition to their trade specific competencies they also need to develop small business management skills, to ensure they meet business and employment regulations.

The AtoB Program provides the opportunity for eligible tradespeople to develop their business management skills.

MEGT Australia is contracted to the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE) as a broker for the AtoB program.

More information can be found at http://www.innovation.gov.au/SKILLS/SKILLSTRAININGANDWORKFORCEDEVELOPMENT/APPRENTICETOBUSINESS/Pages/default.aspx

The measures announced in the 2013 Budget will aim to make the training and apprenticeships systems more flexible and responsive to meet Australia’s current and future workforce needs.

Further information will be available on the Australian Apprenticeships website at www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au and http://minister.innovation.gov.au/gregcombet/MediaReleases/Pages/CreatingAustralianJobsandSupportingaDynamicEconomy.aspx

More information on the Budget relating to apprenticeships and traineeships can be found on pages 101 and 106 of http://www.innovation.gov.au/AboutUs/Budget/Documents/PortfolioBudgetStatementsDIICCSRTE2013-14.pdf

(In further Budget news, the Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Hon Bill Shorten, announced $19.2 million to help Australians find work and regional businesses to find apprentices, including $3.5 million to assist job seekers relocate to regions for employment and apprenticeships before 30 June 2014)