The CFMEU has strongly endorsed the Albanese Government's federal budget boost for apprenticeships and traineeships in the construction industry.
As part of the package announced on Wednesday, the government will fund an additional 15,000 fee-free construction TAFE and VET places over two years from 2025.
There is also new funding for industry training providers, including sector-leading programs run by building industry unions.
CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith said the announcement showed the government was serious about addressing skills shortages.
"This investment will mean more apprentices and trainees will get the training they need to build critical housing and infrastructure that Australia desperately needs," he said.
"Our union's training organisations have an impressive record of helping more Indigenous workers and women find construction jobs, so more support will make a real difference.
"There's an often-overlooked distinction between apprenticeships and traineeships but thankfully the government recognises the importance of both – that's critical to addressing construction skills gaps.
"Groups like Master Builders are hell bent on distorting the facts on skills because they want more easily exploited unskilled migrant workers.
"The CFMEU proudly supports permanent skilled migration based on evidence that is in touch with not only the reality of the industry but also human decency."
