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Highlights
Western Australia increases funding for apprentice and trainee support in the construction sector.
Skilled worker attraction schemes expanded under Build a Life in WA and visa subsidy programs.
Additional training seats and fee-free TAFE placements announced to address workforce demand.
The Western Australian construction sector, part of the broader ASX 200 industrial ecosystem, is receiving renewed attention through strategic government funding aimed at strengthening workforce capacity. The focus includes enhanced training subsidies, expansion of apprenticeship opportunities, and migration-linked programs to attract qualified tradies and technical talent.
Strengthening Apprenticeship and Training Programs
To address critical workforce shortages, the government is expanding the Group Training Organisation (GTO) Wage Subsidy Program. This initiative supports employers in the building and construction sector by helping offset the employment costs of apprentices and trainees. Additional funding will allow more young professionals to be trained, with emphasis on skilled roles including automotive technology, carpentry, bricklaying, and welding.
TeamWA, Western Australia’s delegation to the WorldSkills Australia National Championship and Skills Show, comprises dozens of apprentices, trainees, and vocational students — a reflection of ongoing efforts to elevate hands-on learning and industry engagement.
The initiative further creates new opportunities by funding additional places in training programs. These places are subsidised at various levels to encourage employer participation and reduce barriers to entry for new apprentices and trainees.
Attracting Skilled Migrants for Immediate Workforce Needs
Recognising the need for immediate labour solutions, the state has also allocated resources to extend migration-based programs. Through the Build a Life in WA incentive and the Construction Visa Subsidy Program, construction businesses can access support to hire skilled migrants. These programs are designed to ease relocation costs and visa processing for both employers and tradespeople.
The Build a Life in WA scheme provides milestone payments to eligible building and construction workers, significantly aiding domestic and trans-Tasman recruitment efforts. Meanwhile, the Construction Visa Subsidy Program continues to enable businesses to fill critical roles not met by the local workforce.
These efforts have resulted in over a thousand skilled workers either already onboarded or in the claims process. New Zealand professionals represent a substantial share of this migration cohort, underscoring the program’s international appeal and regional impact.
Investment in TAFE Infrastructure and Fee-Free Learning
To ensure a long-term pipeline of talent, the state is increasing investment in public training. Course fees are being maintained at existing levels through the next calendar year, with additional fee-free placements added to construction-relevant TAFE programs.
These training programs are set in advanced facilities that mirror real-world construction environments, allowing students to develop competencies on equipment and technology used in the field. By combining affordable education with hands-on training, the initiative seeks to prepare a workforce that aligns closely with employer expectations.
Western Australia’s Skills and TAFE Ministry continues to align policy and resources with sectoral demands, ensuring both immediate workforce gaps and long-term skills development are addressed systematically.
