The CVSP provides employers up to $10,000 to support the employment of a skilled migrant in Western Australia. The standard process of skilled migration can cost an employer on average $20,000 and depending on the circumstances take up to six months for the skilled migrant to arrive.

“HIA have been strong in our advocacy over the last three months that the biggest thing holding WA back from building more homes is skilled labour,” said HIA Executive Director Michael McGowan.

“Initiatives like the CVSP only seek to improve the capacity within the industry and help us achieve this goal. The CVSP has provided businesses large and small with the opportunity to increase their capacity to help build more homes.

“It's still a complicated process for a business to navigate, but by lessening the cost and increasing the support services provided by the State Government it has removed significant barriers for employers to get involved,” said Mr McGowan.

“230 skilled migrants active in  the industry with another 120 on the way is a positive start and our members have been strong in their support for the program to be extended.

“The  program  has  attracted  painters,  cabinet  makers,  carpenters,  glaziers  and  tilers  which  are  all critical skills required to finish the high volume of homes under construction,” he said.

“The program has also given skilled migrants the chance to come to WA and contribute meaningfully to solve one of our biggest challenges.

“It's changed the lives of those skilled migrants coming to Perth, creating a better life for them, which as a state is something we should be really proud of.

“The program doesn’t work in isolation but compliments the strong focus of industry and the State Government to support local apprentices, which together helps build the state's construction capacity,” concluded Mr McGowan. 

For further information, see the State Government statement.

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