The Coalition’s election commitment to invest heavily in civil construction has been welcomed by key industry bodies
Key Australian construction industry bodies have welcomed the Coalition’s election commitment to invest $500 million into new civil apprenticeships and construction skills, including those in civil construction, on the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List.
Representing the industry, Master Builders Australia (MBA), the Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) and the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) say the announcement responds directly to calls to ensure civil trades receive the same recognition and support as other construction pathways.
Critical construction occupations to be prioritised include:
- Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)
- Excavator Operator
- Grader Operator
- Mobile Plant Operator
- Concreter
- Fibrous Plasterer
MBA says this is a win for civil contractors, for the broader construction industry, and for Australia’s future infrastructure delivery.
The construction sector employs over 200,000 civil workers across Australia, yet participation in apprenticeship-level training remains well below the national average, MBA adds.
This commitment ensures civil apprentices will be eligible for financial support under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System.
The three industry bodies are now calling on the federal government to match this announcement and extend the same recognition to all construction apprentices including civil across Australia, to build a resilient construction workforce capable of delivering the housing and infrastructure Australians need.
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