Consistency of employment is frequently a subject of concern for those working in the construction industry.  With the advent of the Global Financial Crisis, some companies have suffered financial duress to the extent that they have been unable to support their employees and as a consequence, apprentices within the Plumbing sector have had contracts cancelled. 

In an attempt to assist these “Out-of-Trade” apprentices to re-enter the industry and to complete their respective apprenticeships, the Services Trades Industry Fund (STIF) has taken the decision to provide funding incentives to a determined value, to encourage STIF Sanitary Plumbing Companies to employ “Out- of –Trade” Plumbing Apprentices.  Incentives offered by STIF, when coupled with existing government Recommencement incentives, should represent a positive factor in decision-making regarding employment of apprentices.

STIF recognizes the commitment and responsibility employers undertake, when employing an “Out of Trade” apprentice, and continues to strive to provide contributors with relevant industry support.  This program is viewed as a significant means of responding to the very real issues associated with not being able to complete an apprenticeship in the current employment market. 

STIF currently has people on the Unemployment Register who are “Out -of- Trade” apprentices.  It is hoped that these individuals will be considered foremost for re-employment but the program is not specific to this group.
 
Tony Shaw (STIF Apprentice Mentor) will be monitoring this program, and all signing of contracts must be facilitated through Tony for reimbursements, his contact details are as follows.

Tony Shaw
0412 984 156 or tony@stif.com.au