The Central Coast now has 2,800 apprentices in training, the highest number on record, with more to come, Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, has announced.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, was on the Coast this week to make the announcement with Wicks.
“There are more trade apprentices on the Central Coast right now than ever before,” Robert said.
“Together with Lucy Wicks and Liberal candidate for Dobell, Michael Feneley, the Morrison Government will deliver a strong economic plan that will see more people on the Central Coast get skilled and get into a job.”
Wicks said the federal Budget, released last week, will lead to more opportunities for apprentices and trainees on the Coast, with expanded wage subsidies and direct payments to apprentices of up to $5,000 to help them stay in, and complete, their apprenticeship.
“The number of apprentices and trainees in training right now in the electorate of Robertson has increased by 22 per cent from Labor’s last year in office (2013).
“The Budget also recognises that small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy with reduced taxes and new incentives to invest and grow on the Central Coast.”
Wicks said around 7,700 Central Coast small businesses will have access to a new 20 per cent bonus deduction for training and upskilling their employees.
“The boost will support businesses to invest in the training and upskilling of their employees while reducing their tax bill,” she said.
The new Technology Investment Boost would encourage local small businesses to go digital, which will benefit 32,400 businesses across the Central Coast, she said.
“These businesses will have access to a new bonus 20 per cent deduction on digital and technology expenses such as buying computers, online sales platforms, accounting software, cyber security and cloud computing.”
Robert said the Government was continuing tax incentives that will allow around 32,400 local businesses to write off the full value of any eligible asset they purchase.
“Additionally around 11,500 businesses across the Central Coast will be able to use the extended loss carry back measure to support cash flow and confidence,” he said.
“This has already helped businesses invest more in the local economy and to create local jobs and will continue to do so.”
Source:
Media release, Apr 4
Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks
It’s not about how many start apprenticeships it should be about how many complete. 22% over nearly 10 years is 2% a year. Nothing to get to excited about. But it is an election about to be called.
At least a third of the 2800 will not complete. Why do you think that may be Lucy. Or do you even care.