States and Territories sign up to fund apprentice training

Master Builders Australia applauds the decision by South Australia, the Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and New South Wales to sign up to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF).

“The decision by these five States and Territories to join with the Federal Government to provide millions for the funding of apprenticeships and traineeships is a major step in the right direction. Its great news for young people who want to pursue a career in the building and construction industry,” Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia said.

“We predict a shortage of 300,000 skilled workers over the over the next decade and this decision by these jurisdictions will give us a chance to fill that gap, ensuring homes, schools, hospitals, roads and hospitals can be built to meet the community’s needs,” she said.

“It means thousands of young people will also get the opportunity for rewarding employment in the building and construction industry. In the past year alone the building and construction created more than 100,000 new skilled jobs, accounting for more than 1 in every 4 new jobs created. That means employment growth in building and construction was 9.6 per cent, three times the rate of jobs growth in the wider economy,” Denita Wawn said.

“Master Builders has been calling on State and Territory Governments to get on board with SAF so that up to 300,000 pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeship and traineeships can be funded the SAF’s $1.2 billion investment over the next four years,” she said.

“It will mean employers in our industry can get on with providing more young men and women with the skills they need and that employers want,” Denita Wawn said.