$90m to get more workers into building trades

Last month, BuildSkills released its estimate that an additional 90,000 workers are needed to meet the Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes.

The Australian Government has today responded to this challenge with a significant pre-Budget announcement of $90.6 million to boost the number of skilled workers in the construction and housing sector.

The $90.6M reportedly includes:

• $62.4M to deliver an additional 15,000 Fee Free TAFE and VET places over two years from 1 January 2025

• $26.4M to deliver approx. 5,000 places in pre-apprenticeship programs over two years from 1 January 2025

• $1.8M to streamline skills assessments for up to 1900 potential migrants from countries with comparable qualifications to work in the construction and housing sector, and prioritise the processing of around 2,600 Trades Recognition Australia skills assessments in targeted occupations.

BuildSkills will continue to advocate for sound evidence-based policies that will ensure a steady supply of skilled labour is available to meet the community's increasing demands for the built environment.