A 58: Queensland State Council

Training
Motion:

That ICPA (Aust) lobbies the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to add criteria to the Trade Support Loan scheme recognising rural and remote-based apprentices as being eligible to get a 30% discount after completion of the trade.

Explanation:

The Trade Support Loan scheme offers a loan to Australian Apprentices that helps meet everyday costs while undertaking training. These loans are a great source of support for apprentices. However, rural and remote based apprentices face additional travel and freight costs when completing their apprenticeships due to distance and isolation. In recognition of completing a trade, listed on the priority list, in a rural or remote area, a further incentive could be added to the trade support loan criteria. Similar guidelines could be adopted from the Queensland Department of Education teacher incentives scheme that recognises rural and remote services. This adjustment to the criteria could not only be of benefit to apprentices but also assist in the attraction and retention of apprentices in rural and remote areas thus boosting local economies. The addition of this higher incentive could also be linked to the existing regional area's postcodes as listed in the Trade Support Loans Rules 2014 legislation.

CARRIED