An additional 20,000 training places will be funded under a $90 million national package to increase the number of construction and housing trades.
Some 15,000 free TAFE and VET places will be available for two years from January 1 to address Australia’s housing crisis.
Next week’s federal budget for 2024/25 will also provide an additional 5,000 places in pre-apprenticeship programmes.
An additional $1.8 million will be spent to streamline and accelerate skills assessments for around 1,900 potential migrants with construction and housing qualifications, and the processing of assessments for newcomers in specific occupations.
An additional 20,000 training places will be funded under a $90 million national package to increase the number of construction and housing trades.
The federal government aims to build 1.2 million more homes as Australia’s population, currently almost 27 million people, grows.
Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor said the package would support and strengthen Australia’s residential housing capacity.
“This is a great opportunity for people to gain a trade while accessing government incentives and reducing cost of living pressures through more affordable housing,” he said.
Housing Minister Julie Collins said increasing housing supply was the best way to address the country’s shortage.
“More housing means more affordable options for everyone, whether they are buying, renting or need a safe space to spend the night,” he said.
‘But to build more homes we need more businesses, and that is what this announcement will achieve.
“It’s just one way we work through government to build the homes Australia needs.”
Next week’s federal budget for 2024/25 will provide an additional 5,000 places in pre-apprenticeship programmes. In the photo a tradie woman appears
As of December, more than 355,000 students have received free TAFE support.
The package showed the government is serious about addressing skills shortages, the union representing construction workers said.
“There is an often overlooked distinction between apprenticeships and apprenticeships, but fortunately the government recognizes the importance of both – that is critical to addressing skills gaps in construction,” CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith said.
Construction industry groups also welcomed the initiative.
“We have worked closely with the government to make these policies a reality,” said Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia.
“If we are to have any chance of building enough homes, we must prioritize building industry capacity.”
The Australian Urban Development Institute said it was “very encouraged” by the funding.
The federal government aims to build 1.2 million more homes as Australia’s population, currently almost 27 million people, grows.
