The Andrews Government has announced a scheme which will give Victorian trade apprentices a half price discount on their registration fees.

Beginning in 2016, the discount aims to help apprentices finish their training, with savings of up to $385 a year.

Among those eligible are bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, electricians and plumbers, as long as their employer can verify that the use of their vehicle is required to perform their duties.

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From January 1, 2016, eligible apprentices paying standard registration on a light vehicle in metropolitan Melbourne will save $385.70 per year and apprentices in regional Victoria including Bendigo and Ballarat will save $330.20.

The initiative was announced as a 2014 election promise by the Andrews Government.

Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said the scheme would reduce expenses for tradespeople.

“We’re putting more money back in the pockets of apprentices so they can get the skills they need for their future career,” Mr Donnellan said.

“These vehicles are often important tools of the job, and we’ve delivered on our commitment to halve rego for eligible young bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, electricians and plumbers who rely on our roads to get to and from each job.

Up to 20,000 apprentices enrolled in eligible trade courses will be able to claim the discount.

– with ABC