Building and construction apprentices will receive more financial support, with the WA Government committing $52.3 million ahead of the State Budget.
The investment aims to encourage more apprentices into building and construction jobs.
This includes $1,000 annual milestone payments for eligible apprentices to claim from January 1, 2025, up to 12 months after completion.
Funded through the Construction Training Fund (CTF), the $21.2m Apprenticeship Support Package expands on the existing Apprentice Completion Grant program, which has issued more than 1,000 completion payments since it was announced in 2023-24.
A $16m boost to the Government’s Apprentice Tool Allowance will mean eligible apprentices are entitled to a $1,000 rebate to help them purchase tools or safety equipment at both commencement and completion of their training.
“It’s critical that we support local people into good jobs in the building and construction industry, and we have been working with business and training providers on the best ways to further grow this key workforce,” Premier Roger Cook says.
For more information on financial assistance for apprentices and trainees, visit here.
More support for employers
Eligible employers of three to four-year apprentices will receive a base grant of $15,000, up from $12,000 previously. Employers of 18 to 24-month apprentices will receive a base grant of $12,500, up from $10,000.
Bonus rates for employing a female or mature-aged apprentice or trainee will also be doubled from 20% to 40%, to help improve diversity in building and construction and address skills shortages by tapping into traditionally underutilised areas of the workforce.
A further $5 million has been allocated to CTF’s Capital Grants Program for private registered training organisations (RTOs) to upgrade facilities and equipment to expand their construction training capacity.
For more information on financial incentives for employers, visit here.
Powered by CCIWA, Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA), offers support throughout the entire apprenticeship and traineeship process. Contact ASA at [email protected] or phone 1300 363 831.
