Jen Best has been appointed as Kickstart mentoring officer.  Jen’s role will be to work with employers and apprentices engaged in the Kickstart program to assist both parties to achieve successful employment and training outcomes.

The Federal Government’s decision to extend the Apprentice Kickstart program is welcome news for our region.

In the initial phase of the program over summer, Westvic placed more than 100 apprentices and trainees into jobs in high demand areas such as construction, plumbing, automotive and engineering.

The second phase of the program, which has started and continues until November 12, promises to create even more jobs locally.

The Kickstart initiative offers businesses $3350 to take on new apprentices in a skills shortage trade.

The program is available to small and medium-sized employers and registered group training organisations who employ an Australian Apprentice who is aged 19 years or under and undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to a skills shortage trade occupation.

The bonus is available to all trades on the National Skills Needs List, including hospitality, plumbing, hairdressing, carpentry, automotive, and engineering.