MPANZ has welcomed the Australian government’s recent announcement of a $10,000 financial incentive for apprentices in essential trades.
The plan was introduced as part of the Government’s broader Building Australia plan.
While applauding this initiative, Master Plumber Australia and New Zealand (MPANZ) emphasised the need for additional measures to support businesses to take on apprentice, particularly through increased cash incentives and favourable tax policies for employers.
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The Government has extended existing employer incentives until the end of 2025 to allow further consultation.
“Meeting targets for building homes, critical public infrastructure and the energy transition requires us to grow the plumbing workforce. The only way to do this is to encourage more people into apprenticeships and assist businesses with the cost of employing apprentices,” MPANZ spokesperson Nathaniel Smith said.
“We know that employer incentives work in our industry. The vast majority of plumbing apprentices already complete their study as this is a requirement to work as a plumber, so while the Government’s focus on completions is welcome it’s not enough.”
“What we need is more employers to put on a plumbing apprentice directly, or to source one through a group training organisation (GTO). But the cost of doing so in the current environment can be prohibitive, especially for SMEs and that’s where government funded incentives come in. They assist business to employ and for the apprentice to stay the journey with the employer,” he said.
“We look forward to working with Government over coming months as it consults on its full response to the report recommendations, but there needs to be more of a sense of urgency,” Smith said.
“A plumbing apprenticeship is four years’ duration so there is a critical need to act now, not push it another six months before employers have certainty.”
“The bottom line is that better employer incentives and tax treatments are vital to securing the next generation of skilled tradies, driving economic growth, supporting local communities, and addressing the nation’s housing crisis.”