- McGowan Government investing in apprenticeships and training opportunities for the construction industry
- $4.2 million initiative in the 2023-24 State Budget will provide eligible apprentices with a one-off $2,000 completion payment
- Grants set to support more than 1,900 apprentices and trainees who complete their qualification
- Eligible apprentices will also receive a $500 tool allowance upon completion
The McGowan Government is investing $4.2 million to deliver a new Apprentice Completion Grant program to tackle skills shortages and build a sustainable construction workforce.
Research shows that completion rates of students in construction trade training contracts average around 50 per cent - meaning incentivising apprentices to finish their training will provide an immediate boost to the construction labour force.
Funded as part of the McGowan Government's 2023-24 State Budget, the Construction Training Fund's Apprentice Completion Grant will provide eligible apprentices and trainees with a one-off grant of $2,000 and up to a $500 allowance for the purchase of work-related tools and/or safety equipment at the completion of their apprenticeship.
The Apprentice Completion Grant will support more than 1,900 apprentices and trainees due to complete their qualifications in the 2023-24 financial year.
This program will encourage apprentices to remain in training, while helping to build a skilled workforce for the future.
The one-year program will commence on 1 July 2023.
For more information go to https://ctf.wa.gov.au/funding/apprentice-completion-grant
As stated by Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan:
"My Government is committed to building Western Australia's construction workforce by investing in apprenticeships and removing barriers for young people who want to get into the industry.
"While it's vital we encourage more people to begin apprenticeships in construction - it's just as important they finish their qualifications.
"These one-off payments provide an incentive for up-and-coming tradies to complete their qualification, while helping to build a safer and more sustainable workforce for the future."
As stated by Training Minister Simone McGurk:
"There has never been a better time to get into construction and, along with other initiatives like fee-free and low-cost training, this initiative gives apprentices a financial incentive to finish what they started.
"We know that tradies who complete their training are more likely to be employed - and these grants are expected to support almost 2,000 apprentices to get jobs in construction.
"Not only does this program recognise tradies who have chosen to begin and complete training in the building and construction industry, it also ensures they have the skills to set them up for a long and rewarding career."
