Fed: AIRC allows school apprentices onto construction sites

AAP General News (Australia)
08-06-2004
Fed: AIRC allows school apprentices onto construction sites

Up to 1,700 jobs are expected to be created in the building and construction industry,
with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission allowing school-based apprentices
to be placed on a federal workplace award.

In his finding, Commissioner GREG SMITH says he's satisfied there's an overwhelming
case to provide young people with as many pathways to sustainable employment as possible.

The decision will allow school-based apprentices to gain experience on construction
sites which had been largely closed to them before.

The move's been welcomed by Master Builders Australia as providing a safety net pay
scheme while providing an important pathway for young people on the way to an industry
job.

But the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union says it's still concerned about
the health and safety of young people in a hazardous job.

The union says it's considering the decision and might appeal.

AAP RTV dep/sb/dl/rp

KEYWORD: APPRENTICES (CANBERRA)

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