Creamie. The thought is nice but the concept is far from fantastic. Apprentice tools are more than adequately catered for through Award tool allowances and the Federal Tools For Your Trade program; training delivery and workbooks are included in State User Choice funding; and there are a range of programs offering financial inducements for apprentices to enter trades, including the Master Builder's, WorkSkills etc.
The scholarship, for an individual, will provide support for two years. The scholarship amount is $1,000 for each of the first two years of the apprenticeship.
One scholarship will be available each year for each State and Territory.
Unbelievable!! Six States, two Territories, $8,000 per year; two years = $16,000!! And CASA thinks this meager contribution will make any difference to the number of LAMEs in Australia?
Assessment of applications will be carried out by an expert panel drawn from CASA and professional associations.
My guess the expert panel assessment will cost more than the apprentice subsidy!
There are far more effective and rewarding programs offering real financial assistance to apprentices. Contact the Federal Dept of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations, State Depts of Employment & Training or the Group Training Association in all states.