Govt Programs & Incentives For Skilled-shortaged Apprentices?

Terran_Sky

Hi there,

I assumed most tradesman here are in the US. I am curious to know if the US govt provides any incentives for apprentices and programs to combat the skill shortages?. I'm from Australia and my government gives all apprentices a $800 tool kit allowance at the end of their 1st yr in the trade to help buy some basic tools. There is also an $500 payment at the end of each yr, just to encourage apprentices to stick with the trade(the govt thinking to pushing it to $1500). There is also a Living away from home allowance if you moved out of your parent house for work. With the skill shortages in Australia and lowest unemployment level ever (about 5%), There are plans to set up different trades school where young people can gain there formal high school education as well a recongised vocational training in their chosen trade. I even remember one time during high school, the prime minister telling kids to forget uni and pursue a trade instead. In Australia, there are more kids now completing their full high school education and continuing on to pursue tertiarty studies.

I am 19 yrs old by the way and I'm a 1st yr electrical apprentice. I finish my full high school education tup to yr 12(2005). I should have left at yr 10 though, so i could have gotten a head start on my career now and been a 4th yr, but been told by my parents to pursue tertiarty students so I can more successful in my career,life and get a good job.

Terran_Sky

theartisan

I havent heard of any programs in the states, when i started in construction it was through a carpenter apprenticeship. It actually cost me $ for union dues :-p

on a side note, I think australia has their stuff together. I visited Melbourne this past January for 2 weeks and it was awesome. I think the US govt could learn a thing or 2, although we dont have the same tax system, our govt spends plenty of our tax dollars on worthless initiatives.

John S

In Canada they have a similar program with tool allowances, tax breaks etc.

__________________
John
www.ready4rent.ca