The Western Australian government has announced a significant investment of $52.3 million to encourage more apprentices to pursue careers in the building and construction industry.
This initiative aims to support apprentices in completing their qualifications while also addressing the skills shortage in the sector.
WA Premier Roger Cook stated: “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.
“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.”
The funding, part of the 2024-25 State Budget, will be used for a range of new initiatives to grow the construction workforce and expedite home construction.
As part of the package, eligible apprentices will receive milestone payments of $1,000 upon completing training milestones.
The Apprenticeship Support Package, funded through the Construction Training Fund (CTF), builds upon the successful Apprentice Completion Grant program, which has already issued over 1,000 completion payments since its launch in 2023-24.
The first $1,000 annual milestone payments will be available for eligible apprentices to claim from 1 January 2025, with claims accepted up to 12 months after completion.
To further support apprentices, a $16 million boost will be provided to the government’s Apprentice Tool Allowance.
This increase means eligible apprentices will receive a $1,000 rebate to help purchase tools or safety equipment at both the beginning and completion of their training.
Additionally, $26 million has been allocated to provide additional support to employers in the building and construction industry.
Treasurer Rita Saffioti said: “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.
Employers of three to four-year apprentices will now receive a base grant of $15,000, up from $12,000, while employers of 18 to 24-month apprentices will receive a base grant of $12,500, up from $10,000.
Bonus rates for employing female or mature-aged apprentices or trainees will also be doubled from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, aiming to improve diversity in the industry.
The state government is also allocating $5 million to the CTF’s Capital Grants Program for private registered training organisations (RTOs) to upgrade facilities and equipment, further expanding construction training capacity.
Additionally, regional building and construction apprentices will receive an increased travel and accommodation allowance to assist with transport and accommodation costs incurred during off-the-job training if they travel more than 70 kilometres from home.
Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk stated: “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.
“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.”
