CVIAQ has been contacted by several members concerned about the $1,000 apprenticeship early completion payment offered to their apprentices by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA).

As promoted on their website DETA has committed 7.2 million dollars over the next four years to fund the $1,000 bonus scheme for apprentices completing their training early.

To be eligible for the Early Completion Bonus apprentices must have completed their training contract in an identified skills shortage occupation on or after 1 January 2007 - at least six months early if they are a full-time apprentice or 12 months early if they are a part-time apprentice.

Members have several concerns including the lack of consultation by Government with industry prior to the introduction of the bonus scheme, that apprentices are being contacted by DETA direct and not through the employer and the issues that the bonus scheme has created where the employer has felt pressured by the apprentice to be signed off early whether ready or not.

CVIAQ invite members who have been affected by the Bonus Scheme to write to the Association outlining concerns.