At least 80 apprenticeships saved through State construction projects

The State Government is providing opportunities on construction projects for at least 80 apprentices who may not otherwise be able to complete their apprenticeship due to the downturn in the construction industry.

Treasurer Troy Buswell said the Department of Treasury and Finance's Building Management and Works business was co-ordinating an initiative to assist apprentices whose training was at risk.

"The impact of the current downturn in building and construction activity is having the knock-on effect of host employers reducing apprenticeship numbers and training hours," Mr Buswell said.

"This has serious consequences, not only in the short term but also for the long term, as once construction activity picks up, there could be a shortage of trained labour and a significant time lag for the training of new apprentices.

"As part of our involvement in the 'Building the Education Revolution' program, the State Government is asking construction industry training organisations to submit lists of apprentices that have been unemployed, are under-employed or face the prospect of unemployment due to the current downturn in the economy.

"We will provide opportunities for at least 80 additional building trade apprentice positions, including at least 60 in the metropolitan area and a further 20 in the regions."

The 'Building the Education Revolution' program forms a key part of the Commonwealth's Nation Building - Economic Stimulus Plan and involves the rapid construction and refurbishment of school infrastructure.

This latest initiative follows an announcement last week from Training Minister Peter Collier, who said Group Training Organisations (GTOs) which take on apprentices who lose their jobs during the economic downturn, would be eligible for payments of up to $1,800 from the State Government.

The Department of Treasury and Finance's Building Management and Works business has been managing a building industry apprenticeship program since 2006 and currently has more than 150 apprentices and trainees engaged in a number of trades.