Earthmoving News, Jobs & Training

Build a Life in WA incentive extends to New Zealanders

Skilled workers from New Zealand are being offered cash payments to move to Western Australia, as part of the Build a Life in WA incentive

The Western Australian government’s ‘Build a Life in WA’ incentive, designed to help lure Australian building and construction professionals and tradespeople to the west, is now including skilled workers from New Zealand.

From January 2025, a $10,000 incentive will be offered to those that make the move to WA and take up jobs in an eligible occupation in the building and construction sector.

Eligible building and construction occupations include critical trades such as bricklaying, cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, glazing, plumbing and tiling.

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An initial $5,000 payment will be paid when a skilled worker has secured employment with a WA employer, with a further $5,000 payment available after completing six months employment in WA’s building and construction industry.

“To build more homes we need the workers, and that’s why we’re expanding our Build a Life in WA incentive, and casting the net across the ditch to New Zealand,” WA premier Roger Cook says.

“With our strong economy, secure employment and great lifestyle, it’s an exciting time to live and work in WA, and we look forward to welcoming tradies and building professionals from all over Australia and New Zealand.”

Suitably qualified Australian citizens and residents from all Australian states and territories, as well as New Zealand citizens eligible for a Special Category visa (Subclass 444) on arrival in Australia, can apply for the Build a Life in WA incentive.

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