Earthmoving News, Jobs & Training

CTF WA to up-skill construction workforce through incentives and subsidies

Western Australia’s Construction Training Fund offers a number of subsidies to help upskill the state’s workforce

CTF WA says developing the skills of tomorrow’s workforce in the form of apprentices and trainees is essential

The Western Australian construction sector is expected to grow by 3.6 per cent by 2025 and it’s no secret that building activity is in hot demand across the state.

In all, the sector contributes over $29 billion to the state’s economy and, currently, 8.74 per cent of the Western Australian workforce is employed in either the building or construction industry.

However, pressure is mounting on the industry through recent skills shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the prolonged challenges of COVID-19.

Construction Training Fund (CTF) hopes that by building a skilled and sustainable workforce, the industry will be able to work through the challenges and ensure the state and its construction workers are future ready.

And that’s what CTF is designed to do – provide funding and support to ensure WA has a skilled workforce that is prepared and resilient for future challenges.

Upskilling WA’s construction workforce with subsidised training

CTF says that, apart from the destabilising influence of COVID-19, the biggest challenge currently facing the industry is an increasing shortage of skilled workers.

“Alleviating this challenge is one of CTF’s primary missions. We do this by subsidising training courses and offering employer grants to reduce the cost of training apprentices and trainees,” says CTF chief executive Tiffany Allen.

“We’re also future-proofing the needs of the industry through our established partnerships with the sector, so we are aware and can respond to industry needs as they change.”

Using CTF’s Supplementary Skills Program, construction workers can upskill in areas that they may not have previously thought about.

There is no limit to the number of times workers can claim the CTF Supplementary Skills rebate, which is subsidised by up to 80 per cent by CTF in the following categories:

  • Construction skills–training required for construction work performed onsite
  • Industry skills–training required for skills that relate to a business directly involved with the construction industry, such as building codes
  • Software skills–training required for skills that relate to a business directly involved with the construction industry
  • Occupational health and safety
  • Occupational licensing

“We want the industry to know more about the subsidies we offer,” Allen says, “because we want make sure WA continues to have a safe, skilled and sustainable construction workforce.”

Supporting WA’s apprentices and trainees

But while upskilling employees helps lesser the burden of the skills shortage, CTF says its only part of the picture. Developing the skills of tomorrow’s workforce in the form of apprentices and trainees is also essential.

In WA, 36 per cent of all apprentices and trainees are within the construction industry and CTF suggests that high percentage should continue, with companies in the industry recruiting from all walks of life to help lessen the skills shortage.

However, the extra wage costs for hiring mature-age apprentices and trainees can be a deterrent, especially for small contractors.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic causing many West Australians to re-consider their career pathways, this grant provides mature-age workers the opportunity to bring their skills and experience into a new role to the industry,” Allen says.

“We want to encourage construction skill development in regional areas… so it’s about being flexible and providing financial support to help make this happen.”

CTF WA has also announced the Apprentice Tool Allowance, which will provide apprentices and trainees further financial support

To further support the state’s apprentices and trainees, CTF has also announced a $4.5 million Apprentice Tool Allowance, which will commence on July 1.

The Apprentice Tool Allowance will provide apprentices and trainees further financial support for on- the-job activities in the form of a $500rebate.Usingtheallowance, apprentices can purchase relevant tools and safety equipment require for work.

CTF says the allowance is aimed at helping retain apprentices and trainees employed throughout the state’s construction sector for greater workplace sustainability and retention, while also promoting safety through the purchase of updated safety equipment.

With more than 9,000 apprentices and trainees working throughout the construction industry in WA, CTF says eligible workers will benefit from the Apprentice Tool Allowance program.

To overcome this, CTF offers employer grants to reduce the cost of employing and training new starters, including those of mature age. If a new apprentice is 21 years of age or over at commencement, the employer can claim an additional $2,000.

CTF offers additional funding to regional construction businesses who employ apprentices and/or trainees, and who face challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers.

Developing a more inclusive industry

Historically, women have only represented a small percentage of the construction workforce. But this is changing. More than ever, we are seeing an increasingly diverse demo- graphic enter the construction sector.

“With the recent shortage of skills in WA, it is encouraging to
see the growing number of females and people from culturally diverse backgrounds enter the industry,” says Allen.

“And CTF is here to support them as they start a career in an exciting and rewarding sector that welcomes their talent and enthusiasm for the industry.”

To this end, there are additional CTF incentives available for employing female and/or indigenous apprentices or trainees:

• Employment of females – the employer may be eligible to claim an additional supplement of up to $2,000

• Employment of Indigenous peoples – the employer may be eligible to claim an additional supplement of 30 per cent of the base rate of the grant.

This additional funding is just one of the ways CTF aims to reduce their barriers to employment and encourage a more diverse and inclusive construction workforce.

Funding for disaster recovery and rebuild

In 2021, new challenges were faced due to the Wooroloo bushfires and Cyclone Seroja – the latter being one of the largest natural disaster recovery missions in WA.

To rebuild the communities devastated by these emergencies, CTF announced a Disaster Recovery Training Grant in November last year, aimed at supporting those who are involved in the rebuild efforts.

This two-year, $3.5 million program provides extra CTF support for regional employers, apprentices, and trainees, plus an additional incentive for local employers based in the affected areas.

“Attracting a workforce for the recovery efforts is a challenge due to market conditions,” Allen says.

“So, the Disaster Recovery Grant financially assists those who are part of the rebuild process helping affected communities get back on track as quickly as possible.”

For more information about the Construction Training Fund, please visit www.ctf.wa.gov.au 

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