The Allan Labor Government is backing the state's construction workforce - to help deliver thousands of new homes through a new partnership with Master Builders Victoria (MBV).
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today visited Melbourne Polytechnic's Preston campus with MBV and the Victorian TAFE Network to announce a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Victoria's TAFEs play a central role in delivering housing and construction training and this new partnership will help to address skills gaps and a shortage of qualified teachers to deliver more training.
Under the MoU, Victoria's TAFEs and MBV will explore ways to encourage skilled construction workers to consider becoming TAFE teachers, by promoting teaching pathways through TAFE programs and mentoring.
The partnership also creates opportunities for MBV, the Victorian Government and TAFEs to promote construction careers and training pathways to school students - particularly girls and women - while highlighting the benefits of a construction career, apprenticeship pathways and stronger ties with local employers in regional Victoria.
The Labor Government is also partnering with industry to train and upskill the next generation of construction workers, including through the new $50 million Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence, which will act as a national hub for skills, training and innovation in the housing construction sector.
The MoU is another piece in the puzzle to increase the supply of housing - including through delivering more homes near train and tram stations, a ten-year pipeline of land for family homes and backyards, and slashing stamp duty for off-the-plan apartments, units and townhouses.
More than 33,300 Victorians have accessed Free TAFE construction and housing courses - part of a program that's opened new training and career pathways for nearly 190,000 people since 2019 - saving over $71 million in tuition fees and preparing them for high-demand jobs. To find out more about Free TAFE, visit vic.gov.au/free-tafe.
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"This agreement between TAFEs and MBV will help build the skilled workforce Victoria needs, while partnering with the construction industry to drive innovation, improve training, create jobs and attract more people to the sector."
As stated by Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing
"As Melbourne grows, we need to grow well, and a highly skilled workforce will continue to deliver the safe, high-quality and affordable homes that Victorians deserve. We're creating opportunities for more people to join the building industry and shape its future."
As stated by Master Builders Victoria CEO Michaela Lihou
"Whether it is innovation in teaching, mentoring new trainers or connecting graduates with jobs, we are ensuring Victoria's building and construction industry stays strong, skilled and sustainable."
