The Cook Government is investing $52.3 million to encourage more apprentices into good jobs in the building and
construction industry and help them to complete their qualifications.
Milestone payments of $1,000 will be made available for eligible
apprentices after they complete training milestones, with a range of new
initiatives funded in the 2024-25 State Budget to support and grow the
construction workforce and get homes built sooner.
Funded through the Construction Training Fund (CTF), the $21.2 million Apprenticeship Support Package
expands on the existing successful Apprentice Completion Grant program, which
has issued more than 1,000 completion payments since it was announced in
2023-24.
The first $1,000 annual milestone payments will be available for
eligible apprentices to claim from 1 January 2025, with claims able to be made
up to 12 months after completion.
A $16 million boost to the Government's Apprentice Tool Allowance will
mean eligible apprentices are entitled to a $1,000 rebate to help them purchase
tools or safety equipment at both commencement and completion of their
training.
In recognition of the costs associated with employing and training an
apprentice, $26 million has been allocated through the 2024-25 State Budget to
provide additional support to employers in the building and construction
industry.
Eligible employers of three to
four-year apprentices will receive a base grant of $15,000, up from $12,000
previously. Employers of 18 to 24-month apprentices will receive a base grant
of $12,500, up from $10,000.
Bonus rates for employing a
female or mature-aged apprentice or trainee will also be doubled from 20 per cent
to 40 per cent, to help improve diversity in building and construction and
address skills shortages by tapping into traditionally underutilised areas of
the workforce.
A further $5 million has been
allocated to CTF's Capital Grants Program for private registered training
organisations (RTO) to upgrade facilities and equipment to expand their
construction training capacity.
The State Government is also
continuing its investment of $470,00 to provide regional building and
construction apprentices with an increased travel and accommodation allowance
to assist with transport and accommodation costs incurred if required to travel
more than 70 kilometres from home as part of off-the-job training.
These initiatives build on a
recent $21.5 million expansion of the Group Training
Organisation Wage Subsidy Program, which offers generous subsidies for
employers to help cover the average estimated award wage of full-time
apprentices in the building and construction industry.
For more information: Premier/Minister Announcement - Construction Training Fund
(ctf.wa.gov.au)
Comments attributed to Premier
Roger Cook:
"Western Australia's nation-leading economy and enviable lifestyle are
driving significant demand for housing - and my Government is doing everything
we can to boost supply and get more people into homes.
"It's critical that we support local people into good jobs in the
building and construction industry, and we have been working with business and
training providers on the best ways to further grow this key workforce.
"Our 2024-25 State Budget will include generous new payments for
construction apprentices at the beginning, middle and end of their training,
providing an additional incentive for them to complete their qualifications as
well as cost-of-living support as they start their careers.
"We're also providing bonuses to give apprentices the tools they need
when they need them most, and support for employers to help them take on more
building and construction apprentices."
Comments attributed to
Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
"With huge demand for skilled workers in our building and construction
industry, there's never been a better time to take up an apprenticeship in
Western Australia.
"Programs and incentives like this Apprenticeship Support Package and increases
to existing ones like the Government's Apprentice Tool Allowance are really
important in attracting and retaining apprentices, which we know will help
boost our housing supply and build more homes for Western Australians.
"We've always been a Government that prides itself on providing
accessible pathways to training and education opportunities so Western
Australians secure a job and provide for their family, while contributing to
our State's economy. We're really proud to be funding this as part of the
2024-25 State Budget."
Comments attributed to
Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk:
"The Cook Labor Government is serious about
tackling the skills shortage in the construction industry, so we can get boots
on the ground, and people into homes sooner.
"While overall we are seeing higher-than-average completion rates in WA, particularly in licensed trades like electrical and plumbing, individual completion rates in some trades can be as low as 50 per cent - that's why it's vital we provide incentives for apprentices to finish their training.
"We want to send a message to
apprentices and employers in the building and construction industry that there
is cash - and a rewarding new career - up for grabs right now.
"These bonuses and other
initiatives provide an additional incentive for anyone thinking of getting into
the building and construction industry to not only start, but more importantly
to finish their training, so they can go on to a successful career."
