The Wire

When many first year apprentices only earn around $300 a week, it’s no wonder only 48 per cent of apprentices finish their training. But over the weekend, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott announced a new scheme to help apprentices afford the cost of living that could see them receive a loan of up to $20,000. The scheme would be available to an apprentice studying a Certificate III or Certificate IV towards a trade listed on the National Skills Needs List.