Tradie Toby Joyce says there’s a shortage of talent ready and willing to work

BUDGET 2016: TOBY Joyce is looking to hire a young tradie for his construction company, but says there is a real shortage of talent ready to work.

• BUDGET 2016: WORK, SPEND AND PAY UP

TOBY Joyce is looking to hire a young tradie for his construction company, but says there is a real shortage of talent ready to work.

Last night’s announcement that employers will receive $1000 to take on a young intern then $10,000 if they hire them has given him renewed hope.

The 27-year-old carpenter employs three staff already, including one apprentice.

Successive budgets have been good for the small business owner.

Mr Joyce said the $20,000 instant asset write off, announced last year for small businesses, had really helped. He bought a company car and tools, and is glad the scheme has been extended.

“Anything that’s going to help a small business is fantastic. It takes the pressure off,” he said.

But Mr Joyce said he hadn’t really noticed tax cuts for small businesses. “I don’t know that a few per cent really comes through a business that’s doing a million dollars of turnover,” he said.

Mr Joyce said his biggest challenge was a personal one — buying a first home with his wife, who is pregnant.

Toby Joyce did his apprenticeship at Hornsby TAFE and now owns a successful business on the northern beaches / Picture: Annika Enderborg

Originally published as Tradie Toby Joyce says there’s a shortage of talent ready and willing to work