News
The WA government is investing an additional $21.5 million to expand the Group Training Organisation (GTO) Wage Subsidy Program — immediately creating 150 new apprentice positions for the building and construction industry.
The program — a joint effort of the Department of Training and Workforce Development and the Construction Training Fund — helps address skilled labour shortages in the sector.
The initiative aims to accelerate home construction by providing up to $135,000 for a four-year apprenticeship, covering the average award wage for full-time apprentices in the building and construction in... more
What can your construction business do if facing labour shortages?
The construction industry currently faces a significant challenge of acquiring skilled labour, impacting small local contractors and large multinational firms. Addressing labour shortages is crucial for ensuring business continuity and promoting growth.
By tackling this problem head-on, construction businesses can secure their future, expand their operations and contribute to the economy. It also builds a resilient and adaptable workforce capable of meeting tomorrow’s challenges.
Understanding the causes
The primary reasons behind labour shortages in construction include:
Aging workforce: Many sk... more
Cracking the code on talent: strategies for today’s job market
In today’s fiercely competitive job market, the demand for top talent across various industries poses a significant challenge.
Many sectors like mining, construction and IT, are subject to an ageing workforce and there is an urgent need for more young talent to fill these vacant positions. Professions that need specific skill sets, such as software development and engineering, are difficult to occupy, particularly among recent university graduates. Despite the ongoing global demand for minerals, unfavourable perceptions of related industries have dampened enthusiasm for pursuing careers in this field. Fur... more
Sustainable construction expert urges industry to cut carbon emissions
Australia's construction industry, a significant contributor to the country's carbon emissions, is facing pressure to reduce its environmental impact.
Dr Ali Kashani, a sustainable construction expert from UNSW, highlights the importance of addressing materials' embodied carbon in construction to advance Australia's low-carbon future.
Embodied carbon refers to the carbon dioxide emissions released during the manufacturing and transportation of construction materials.
While efforts have been made to reduce emissions from operational activities like heating and cooling buildings, the focus on embodied car... more
Dulux Colour Awards unveil 2024 finalists
The finalists for the 38th annual Dulux Colour Awards have been announced by this year's esteemed judging panel. A stunning 83 projects have been chosen from a record 527 entries, as judged by five design industry professionals from Australia and New Zealand.
The awards attract an array of extraordinary projects, spanning various categories such as Commercial Interior - Public and Hospitality; Commercial Interior - Workplace and Retail; Commercial & Multi-Residential Exterior; Residential Interior; Single Residential Exterior; and, Student work for both Australia and New Zealand, with the coveted Australi... more
Consult Australia Awards celebrate innovation and collaboration
The Consult Australia Awards (CAA), held at the ICC Sydney on 14 March 2024, recognised businesses addressing Australia’s complex design and engineering challenges and leaders driving innovation in digital transformation, sustainability, and diversity.
The event honoured consulting firms operating in Australia’s built and natural environment sectors, presenting 14 awards for projects and programs in 2023.
Consult Australia CEO Jonathan Cartledge said: “Australia has close to 60,000 businesses providing highly technical and specialised engineering, design, and advisory services. Without these business... more
Finalists announced for 2024 Australian Construction Achievement Award
The Australian Constructors Association and Engineers Australia have announced the four finalists for the 2024 Australian Construction Achievement Award (ACAA).
The finalists include projects ranging from roads to rail, water infrastructure to airports, showcasing excellence and commitment to sustainability in the construction industry.
The finalists are:
Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale Project (E2G) in Cairns, Queensland - By John Holland Group, Seymour Whyte, and AECOM.
Central Station Metro Sydney, New South Wales - By Laing O'Rourke.
Rookwood Weir Project Goga... more