The Western Australian government has announced a $37.5 million investment in the 2025-26 State Budget to expand WA’s construction workforce, fulfilling a key election commitment and responding to strong industry demand for skilled workers.
The centrepiece of the package is a $25.2 million expansion of the Group Training Organisation (GTO) Wage Subsidy Program, which helps building and construction employers cover the cost of hiring apprentices and trainees.
The new funding will unlock an additional 225 apprenticeship and trainee placements — 150 at a 75 per cent subsidy and 75 at a full 100 per cent subsidy.
An additional $12.3 million will go towards extending two successful programs: the Build a Life in WA Incentive and the Construction Visa Subsidy Program.
These initiatives have already attracted more than 1,000 skilled building and construction workers to Western Australia, with hundreds coming from New Zealand, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
The Build a Life in WA Incentive offers eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens, as well as permanent residents, up to $10,000 in milestone payments for relocating and working in WA’s construction sector.
To date, 1,019 skilled workers have either submitted or are having claims assessed under the program, with 361 already receiving the first $5,000 milestone payment and commencing work — 220 of whom are from New Zealand.
The top five occupations filled include electricians, carpenters, plumbers, bricklayers, and earthmoving plant operators.
WA Premier Roger Cook said: “These successful programs clearly show the message is out – the west coast is the best coast, and skilled tradies from overseas and the eastern states are voting with their work boots.
Cook expressed excitement that a large number of people have seized the chance to transition into roles supporting Western Australia’s rapidly growing construction sector.
He highlighted that the Budget commitment will allow for an additional 1,100 training places starting 1 July 2025, which he expects will be quickly filled.
The Construction Visa Subsidy Program, now extended for the third time, provides up to $10,000 to employers to offset migration agent fees, visa application costs, and relocation expenses.
So far, more than $10.13 million has been distributed, supporting 1,619 skilled migrants, with 849 already working across 364 businesses in WA.
These skilled migrants are filling roles in carpentry, electrical services, plastering, cabinet making, glazing, bricklaying, civil engineering, surveying, construction estimating, and landscaping.
Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson added: “Western Australia’s economy is booming, and we need a skilled workforce to meet demand across a range of sectors, including building and construction.
Sanderson said the government is investing in training and initiatives like the GTO Wage Subsidy Program and Construction Visa Subsidy Program to both prepare the workforce of the future and attract skilled tradies for immediate industry needs.
She also highlighted ongoing support for TAFE, including holding course fees steady, expanding fee-free places in construction courses, and ensuring students train with the latest technology.
Housing and Works Minister John Carey stated: “Our government is doing everything it can to increase the supply of housing, including finding new ways to increase our construction workforce.
“This program comes on top our massive investment in fee-free TAFE courses for construction courses and apprenticeships.”
These investments are directly increasing the workforce capacity of 301 building and construction businesses, with 43 employing more than one skilled worker through the programs.
The measures are expected to further accelerate the delivery of homes and major infrastructure projects across Western Australia.
