Fund promises building boost

A NEW fund is promising a boost in skilled workers for building homes, school, hospitals and more.

Work has started to ensure the building and construction industry is ready for the commencement of the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF).

The promise of 300,000 additional apprenticeship places, combined with an industry driven, outcomes focused fund, will be an important step in tackling skills shortages and boosting apprentice numbers, particularly for builders who predict a shortage of trade qualified people in the years ahead.

Master Builders Australia chief executive officer Denita Wawn said the organisation was already working with their members who could see the huge boost this Fund could deliver for young people and skills.

“We predict a shortage of 300,000 skilled workers over the next decade and this fund gives us a chance to fill that gap, ensuring homes, schools, roads and hospitals can be built on time and on budget for the community,” Ms Wawn said. “Over half of all tradies get their start in our sector, so it’s important that we can get ahead and train the young people of today for the jobs of tomorrow.

“Master Builders was pleased to meet with the assistant minister Karen Andrews to discuss SAF details and stressed the need for the fund to be flexible and accountable.

“We are confident that the states and territories will come to the table to match the Commonwealth funding to deliver this much needed boost for young people.” “The building and construction industry will always reward targeted investment in VET by delivering a good return for taxpayers, and we’ll be ready to assist the States and Territories to make sure taxpayers’ investment in training for a building trade will result in good job outcomes.”