$10,000 Carrot to Encourage Automotive Apprenticeships

Apprentices may be eligible for up to $10,000 in incentives to start an apprenticeship in the automotive industry.

While most apprentices in priority trades such as automotive have access to $5,000 incentives, the expanded New Energy Apprenticeship Program turbocharges this to double for those working in clean energy apprenticeships with exposure to growing numbers of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) CEO Matt Hobbs highlighted the expansion of the program to even more automotive apprentices were thanks to concerted advocacy from state associations like the Motor Trade Association SA/NT (MTA), “Securing Government support for our members and their workforces has been a top priority of the MTAA this year.”

Federal Minister for Skills Brendan O’Connor thanked the MTAA and MTA for its feedback which shaped the improved program, “We are constantly monitoring our programs and listening to industry to understand what they need to make access to programs designed to address skills needs easier and eligibility more common sense.”

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen highlighted that the changes would support Australia’s transition to zero and low emission vehicles, “The Albanese Government’s expanded New Energy Apprenticeships Program is helping ensure our workers can capitalise on the clean energy transformation and are skilled to take part in the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors.”

The changes were put into perspective when Federal Minister for Skills Brendan O’Connor visited the MTA Training and Employment Centre to announce the expanded program. Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology student, Lucy who shared her enthusiasm that the incentives will support her to choose a career pathway in automotive.