The package aims to support the government's 1.2 million homes target by tackling the construction sector's 27,900 job vacancies, which sit 56 per cent above the long-run average and 68 per cent above pre-pandemic levels.

The centrepiece of the initiative is $88.8 million for 20,000 additional Fee-Free TAFE training places over two years from January 2025, split between $62.4 million for 15,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places, and $26.4 million for 5,000 pre-apprenticeship programmes. These new places build on existing Fee-Free TAFE success, which saw over 355,000 student enrolments nationally to December 2023, including 24,000 in construction sector courses.

The program, to be delivered in partnership with states and territories, will operate through both public TAFEs and industry Registered Training Organisations. Pre-apprenticeship places are designed to give students industry experience before committing to a full apprenticeship, helping to ensure higher completion rates in the sector.

To complement domestic training, the initiative includes $1.8 million to streamline skills assessments for approximately 1,900 potential migrants from countries with comparable qualifications, and prioritise processing for around 2,600 Trades Recognition Australia skills assessments in targeted occupations. This dual approach of domestic training and skilled migration has been welcomed by industry, with the Urban Development Institute of Australia endorsing the investment as hitting "the right mark" in addressing the sector's workforce needs. [3]

Update - 10 bands for apprentices

[1] https://ministers.dewr.gov.au/oconnor/growing-australias-construction-workforce-build-more-homes

[2] https://alp.org.au/news/growing-australias-construction-workforce-to-build-more-homes/

[3] https://udia.com.au/2024/05/government-hits-the-right-mark-with-investment-to-boost-skilled-workers-in-the-construction-industry/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CSignificant%20investment%20such%20as%20the,few%20steps%20further%20toward%20the