MEDIA RELEASE BY HON. LES JOHNSON,  M.H.S, FOR HUGHES,  OPPOSITION

APPRENTICE CAMPATGN SUCCEEDS;

"A twelve month campaign for the re-instatement of the

Apprenticeship Scheme at the A.A.E.C. Research Establishment

has been successful" Mr. Les Johnson,  M.H.R. for Hughes,  said. .

The last recruitment for apprentices undertaken by the Atomic

Energy. Research Establishment was in 1975 when under a Labor

Government.,  16 Apprentices were employed.

Mr. Johnson,  M.H.R. for Hughes,  said that the scheme was

abruptly discontinued by the Fraser Government in 1976.

"Last year there was the possibility -  that current apprentices

on completing their apprenticeships would not be even offered

tradesmen positions with the A.A.E.Ci" Mr. Johnson said.

Mr. Johnson said that only after express representations

were made to the Minister was an assurance given that

there would be tradesmen jobs for the existing apprentices

after they finished their course.

"Though this assurance on the future jobs of existing apprentices

was given,  the Fraser Government had maintained its stand

against the acceptance of new apprentices as late as 23.1.1979", he

said.

Mr. Johnson welcomed the Minister's change of mind which will

provide some twenty job opportunities for young people.

"The re-introduction of the apprenticeship scheme for

tradesmen at" the Research Establishment at Lucas Heights hopefully

heralds a concerted effort by the Government to create employÂ­

ment opportunities for young people" Mr. Johnson said.

WHIP. Phone:  521.6262 FEBRUARY 9, 1978

