1. Upskilling and Short Course Funding
The Construction Training Fund (CTF) offers financial assistance to construction workers in Western Australia for upskilling and short-course training. This funding helps workers develop the necessary skills to advance their careers and meet industry demands.
2. Apprentice Support Bonus
The Apprentice Support Bonus provides an annual payment of $1,000 to eligible construction apprentices and trainees on the anniversary of their commencement date. Up to $3,000 is available to those who reach the anniversary of their commencement date after July 1, 2025. This bonus is paid directly to apprentices and trainees as an incentive to continue their training.
3. Capital Grant Program
The Capital Grant Program is a $5 million funding initiative to support the building and construction industry in Western Australia. The program aims to enhance the skills and capabilities of the workforce and facilitate the transition to renewable energy and the decarbonisation of the WA economy. Eligible registered training organisations can apply for this grant.
4. Disaster Recovery Grant
Eligible construction workers in Western Australia can claim the costs of upskilling courses that assist in rebuilding communities affected by natural disasters, such as the Wooroloo bushfires and Cyclone Seroja. This grant supports workers in acquiring skills necessary for disaster recovery efforts.
5. Australian Skills Guarantee
The Australian Skills Guarantee utilizes government investment in major projects to help train the next generation of skilled workers. It introduces national targets for apprentices, trainees, and paid cadets working on Australian Government-funded major projects, aiming to increase the proportion of women in the construction industry and drive systemic change.
6. Construction Visa Subsidy Program
The Construction Visa Subsidy Program provides grant payments of up to $10,000 to support skilled migration visa pathways for workers. This subsidy helps offset expenses such as migration agent fees, visa application fees, and relocation costs, encouraging skilled workers to join the Australian construction workforce.
7. Building Women’s Careers Program
The Building Women’s Careers Program offers $54.5 million for partnership projects that drive systemic structural and cultural change in training and employment, aiming to increase the participation of women in the construction industry.
Grant Name |
Purpose |
Financial Details |
| Upskilling and Short Course Funding | Assist with training costs for construction workers. | Subsidy of up to 80% of training costs. |
| Apprentice Support Bonus | Provide financial support to apprentices and trainees. | Annual payment of $1,000; up to $3,000 for those reaching the anniversary after July 1, 2024. |
| Capital Grant Program | Enhance skills and capabilities of the workforce; support transition to renewable energy. | $5 million funding initiative; specific amounts vary based on project proposals. |
| Disaster Recovery Grant | Support upskilling for disaster recovery efforts. | Covers costs of upskilling courses related to disaster recovery. |
| Australian Skills Guarantee | Increase apprenticeships and traineeships in major projects; promote gender diversity. | Targets set for apprentices, trainees, and women in major projects; financial incentives for meeting targets. |
| Construction Visa Subsidy Program | Support skilled migration to the construction industry. | Up to $10,000 grant; payments at three milestones: $2,000, $4,000, and $4,000. |
| Building Women’s Careers Program | Drive systemic change to increase women’s participation in construction. | $54.5 million funding for partnership projects. |
Conclusion
The Australian government’s grants and funding programs in 2024 offer substantial support to construction workers, apprentices, and employers. These initiatives aim to enhance skills, promote workforce diversity, and address labor shortages in the construction industry. Workers are encouraged to explore these opportunities to advance their careers and contribute to the growth of the construction sector.