APPRENTICESHIP RETENTION SCHEME

536 Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (15 September 2009). With reference to Budget paper 4, Volume 1, page 5.14 of the 2008-09 Budget regarding the Apprenticeship Retention Scheme—

(a) what sort of industries or businesses are being included in this scheme;

(b) how many apprentices are expected to be retained under this program;

(c) how long is the program expected to run; and

(d) how much has been allocated budget to this program?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development): I am advised:

The Drought Apprenticeship Retention Program aims to assist farming communities, in particular primary producers and small businesses, to retain apprentices and trainees in drought affected areas.

The program was allocated $1.5 million in 2007-08. These funds were fully committed and assisted 458 employers to retain 983 apprentices and trainees in employment.

The program was allocated $1.1 million in 2008-09. These funds were fully committed and assisted 243 employers to retain 631 apprentices and trainees across the state.

A further $1.1 million was allocated in 2009-10. To date, 267 employers have received the first round of payments to support the retention of 633 apprentices and trainees. Extension of this program beyond the 2009-10 period will be assessed in line with all government drought measures.