The Western Australian government has announced a significant investment to bolster the state’s building and construction workforce.
The initiative aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers, particularly in the residential housing sector.
Premier Roger Cook’s government will inject $21.6 million into the Group Training Organisation (GTO) Wage Subsidy Program, creating an additional 175 places for building and construction apprentices and trainees.
This expansion brings the total investment in the program to $109.4 million, supporting 775 places for construction apprentices and trainees to date.
In a bid to attract skilled workers from other parts of Australia, the government is introducing the ‘Build a Life in WA’ incentive.
Starting January 2025, qualified construction workers from all Australian states and territories who relocate to Western Australia will be eligible for a $10,000 payment to offset relocation costs.
Premier Roger Cook emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating: “Building our construction workforce is the key to unlocking more homes.
“We know that it’s a big investment for people to choose to relocate to our great state, which is why we’re offering a $10,000 payment to subsidise the costs of moving.”
Treasurer Rita Saffioti added: “The $10,000 ‘Build a Life in WA’ incentive is aimed at reducing the financial barriers people often face when choosing to relocate to pursue employment opportunities.”
To further support workforce expansion, the government has launched a new online WA Jobs and Workforce Hub, providing resources for local, interstate, and global job seekers.
Information about the ‘Build a Life in WA’ incentive and the Construction Visa Subsidy Program is available at www.buildalife.wa.gov.au, while details on the GTO Wage Subsidy Program can be found on the Jobs and Skills WA website.
Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk highlighted the immediate job opportunities available in WA’s building and construction industry, especially in residential construction.
She encouraged interstate construction workers considering a lifestyle change to take advantage of these new initiatives.
With these measures, the Western Australian government aims to address the critical shortage of skilled workers in the building and construction sector, ultimately accelerating the delivery of much-needed housing across the state.
