An Andrews Labor Government will halve the cost of car rego for thousands of apprentice tradies so they can afford more tools and training.

The Liberals have made life harder for apprentices, scrapping a $5500 tool allowance and closing TAFE campuses across Victoria, which has made training more expensive and inconvenient.

Meanwhile, car rego costs are at record levels. The standard registration fee for a light vehicle garaged in metropolitan Melbourne is $757.70 a year.

Under Labor’s $26.5 million plan, Victorian trades apprentices will be eligible for a 50 per cent discount on their car registration rate. For those paying standard registration for metropolitan Melbourne this will mean a discount of $378.85 per year.

To be eligible for the registration discount, apprentices will need to demonstrate that they are among the 15,200 apprentices in Victoria who require a car for their job.

An Andrews Labor Government will also make sure ten per cent of the workforce on all major projects will be reserved for apprentices.

Labor recently released its plans to rescue the failing TAFE system, reintroduce Tech Schools and get 100,000 Victorians back to work.

Quotes attributable to Mr Andrews

“Life’s harder for apprentices under the Liberals – car rego is up and TAFE funding is down.”

“Young apprentices are doing the right thing, getting the skills they need for their career. We should be encouraging them, not exploiting them.”

“Thousands of apprentices need to drive, but they need tools and training too.”

Key Facts

· An apprentice’s employer would need to verify that their vehicle is a necessary requirement to fulfil the functions of their job. Eligible trades fully funded under Labor’s plan include: bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, electricians and plumbers.

· Select apprenticeships outside these trades who use their car for work will be eligible to apply, however employers would need to demonstrate a vehicle is an essential part of their work.

· The Napthine Government also cut the Apprenticeship Accommodation Allowance and the Apprentice/Trainee Completion Bonus.