Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I again thank Senator Back. The trade support loans are available to all Australian apprentices who are studying in a skills need area—specifically, an apprenticeship or traineeship with a certificate III or certificate IV qualification that leads to an occupation on the National Skills Need List, such as electrician, cook, plumber, hairdresser or joiner, or an apprenticeship or traineeship with a certificate II, certificate III or certificate IV qualification in agriculture or horticulture.

TSLs can be paid regardless of the apprentice's age, existing worker status or income. School based apprentices can also apply for a trade support loan. Apprentices—and I think it is important to note this—will not start repaying their loan until they are earning a sustainable income of more than $50,000. Those who complete their training will get a 20 per cent discount on their loan, meaning they will repay less than they borrowed. (Time expired)