You could say Robert Beattie knows a bit about training young people, having employed 45 apprentice carpenters at his business, Beach House Stairs (BHS), over the past 38 years.
Mr Beattie and his wife Jane had an opportunity to speak with the Federal Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles about strengthening the Australian Apprenticeship system when he visited Batemans Bay on Friday 11 October.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips was pleased to host the minister’s visit and chat with three apprentices in the workshop.
“It was really great to talk to local employers, as well as apprentices about the importance of apprentices in building the skills and talent in the Australian workforce to meet current and future skills gaps and realise economic opportunities,” Mrs Phillips said.
Minister Giles met with first year carpentry apprentices Nathan Griffiths and Nicholas Steendam and second year apprentice Brendan Bingley-Hughes who are currently receiving the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment (AATSP).
He said it was important to speak to employers and apprentices on the ground and to ensure that a strong apprenticeship system encourages apprentices to get skilled and work ready and also supports employers to help offset the training costs associated with engaging an apprentice.
“The Government recognises the serious skills shortages our nation is facing, and we are focusing on priority occupations including those in the construction industry, to ensure industries with greatest demands receive the most support,” Minister Giles said.
“As the Skills and Training Minister, I’m interested in getting out and meeting with employers and apprentices alike, and I am really pleased to have the chance to do that here at Beach House Stairs.”
Nathan, 17, from Moruya said he enjoyed working at BHS because the people he works with were great and the working hours were also very good.
“Everybody in my family was into trades, my uncles and cousins and I just wanted to do hands on work,” he said.
“There’s heaps of houses going up and that many new estates, so I’m not gunna run out of work for a while – it’s just the workers that are running out.”
Mr Beattie said every one of his employers was once an apprentice with his company.
“I think our guys can see the potential earning for trades and are enthused by that,” he said.
Established in 1985, Beach House Stairs (BHS) is a family business that builds custom designed staircases, timber handrails, balustrades and bench tops.
Mrs Phillips said the Albanese Government recognised the serious skills shortages Australia nation was facing.
“We are focusing on priority occupations including those in the construction industry, to ensure industries with greatest demands receive the most support,” she said.
“And we recognise the partnership that is required between the apprentice and their employer to ensure apprentices have the best chance of completing their training.”
As part of the 2024-25 Budget, the Government has replaced the former Priority Wage Subsidy with a new Priority Hiring Incentive to better tailor the financial support for employers.
Employers that engage an Australian Apprentice in a priority occupation from 1 July 2024 may now be eligible to claim up to $5,000 to help subsidise costs associated with employing an apprentice.
Apprentices undertaking training in priority areas will be eligible for an additional $2,000 ($5,000 in total) to assist with cost-of-living pressures and incentivise them to finish their training.
Employers taking on apprentices in priority areas will be eligible for an additional $1,000 ($5,000 in total).
The Federal Government is working with states and territories to deliver an additional 15,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training places to support the construction sector over two years from 1 January 2025.
Photos: Federal Minister for Skills and Training the Hon Andrew Giles and Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips met with the owners and three apprentice carpenters at Beach House Stairs in Batemans Bay.
Monday 14 October 2024
Media Contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967
