The government is encouraging individuals to pursue careers in the construction industry by offering a substantial incentive for new apprentices. Those who train within the housing construction sector will receive a $10,000 payment, which doubles the previous incentive amount. This initiative aims to enhance the workforce as part of a broader government strategy focused on increasing housing availability.
The new incentive will commence on July 1 this year. According to Treasurer Jim Chalmers, the key to building more homes is training an adequate number of builders. This move is part of a larger funding commitment of $722.8 million aimed at supporting apprentices over the next four years.
Additionally, the government has introduced legislation to provide 100,000 free TAFE places annually starting in 2027. The budget anticipates that a significant percentage of new jobs over the coming decade will necessitate tertiary qualifications, particularly within the vocational training sector. So far, nearly 40,000 of the 600,000 free TAFE enrolments recorded between January 2023 and September 2024 have been for construction-related courses.
In summary, this initiative reflects a significant investment in training and education to address workforce shortages in the construction sector, ultimately aiming to build more homes and support economic growth.