$24.5M support package for construction workforce in WA

The WA Government have committed $10 million in immediate support with a one-off $2000 payment to employees to maintain existing apprentices currently receiving Construction Training Fund (CTF) grant payments.

The package also includes $9.5 million set aside for a new monthly payment program to employers of apprentices and trainees and $5 million in support to more than 5000 building and construction apprentices and trainees to complete short training courses.

Premier Mark McGowan and Training Minister Sue Ellery were joined by Reg Howard-Smith, Chair of the Building and Construction Industry Training Board, to announce the $24.5 million support package to assist the building and construction industry to maintain a skilled workforce during the COVID-19 crisis.

Mr. McGowan said the construction industry plays an important role in Western Australia and employs thousands of people across a range of trades.

“It’s important we look after our local businesses, apprentices and trainees – this funding will go towards making sure jobs are maintained and our construction workforce is ready to assist with the post COVID-19 economic recovery.”

The new monthly payment scheme worth $9.5 million will be introduced, with payments beginning from 1 June, 2020 backdated from 1 April, 2020.

The payments will range from $250 per month to $500 per month, per apprentice or trainee, depending on the trades facing the most critical skills shortages in the industry.

This will supplement CTF’s existing grants scheme for a period of six months, with a review after three months to gauge the effectiveness of the temporary model.

Employers currently receiving CTF grants for apprentices and trainees in employment will be eligible for the new grant scheme and will need to provide evidence of the apprentice’s employment, such as a current payslip.

Apprentices and trainees employed in the industry can claim up to $1,000 to support the costs of undertaking short courses to assist them in upskilling.

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