GAINING an apprenticeship has been key to Kyle Neave's new role as a trainee locksmith.
The 18-year-old landed a job at Warrnambool Locksmiths under the federal government's Apprentice Kickstart program four months ago and has relished working in his new role.
Treasurer Wayne Swan announced in this week's federal budget that the government would extend the program into next financial year, a move which has been praised by local employment agencies.
Westvic Staffing Solutions chief executive Miles Coverdale said he expected the new initiative would create more than 100 jobs locally.
He said the program, which will run from May 12 to November 12 , would give local employers incentive to hire new staff.
Westvic placed 45 apprentices and trainees into jobs in high demand areas such as construction, plumbing, automotive and engineering during the programs initial phase over summer.
"Businesses will utilise the $3350 offered to take on new apprentices," Mr Coverdale said.
"The first program was highly successful in our region in encouraging employers to recruit and we expect this new initiative over a full six months will be even more successful.
"This program will provide hundreds of opportunities for young people in our region to start a career in areas that require more skilled people."
The bonus will be available to all trades on the National Skills Needs List which includes vocations such as hospitality, plumbing, hairdressing, carpentry, automotive, retail and engineering.
Mr Neave said he was unsure about what career path to take last year until he discovered locksmithing
"I've been in the job about four months now and I really enjoy it," the Warrnambool-based apprentice said.
"With locksmithing, the pay is really good and you learn something new each day.
"You're not stuck in the one place all the time either. Of course we work in the shop but we also have to go on-site and work on locks there which keeps things interesting."
Western District Employment Access operations director Alan Goldsworthy said the funding announcement was timely as the number of employers offering apprenticeships had begun to drop in recent months.
"We're finding at the moment that apprenticeships are harder to come by so this funding will definately be an incentive to employers," he said.
"There was a big run of offers during the last round of Apprentice Kickstart funding and I'd expect it to reach those same levels again with this new round."
The program is available to small and medium-sized employers and registered group training organisations who employ an Australian apprentice aged 19 years or under and undertaking a Certificate III or IV level qualification that leads to a skills shortage trade occupation.
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