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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Funding to fast-track trades qualification can help get more homes built quicker

Media release

Funding to fast-track trades qualification can help get more homes built quicker

Media release
“Today’s announcement from the Labor Government of $78 million in funding to fast track the qualification of up 6,000 tradies is an important initiative which will help get more homes built quicker,” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.

“There are many highly talented experienced workers in our industry that have learnt their craft on site, but may not have undertaken or completed their formal training. Obtaining the due recognition for their experience without having to complete a full qualification is considered a major barrier. 

“This has been particularly problematic for mature aged workers or those seeking to make a career change, and their extensive and often comparable knowledge and working experience has not been recognised adequately or dismissed outright. 

“It is important that we consider initiatives like this that not only attract new workers to construction, but help retain the workforce we have.

“The Advanced Entry Trades Training program announced today can help bridge that skills gap and support those experienced workers get the qualifications and recognition they deserve for their work and fast track them into obtaining their respective qualifications.

“The program will help assess a participants’ existing skills via a recognition of prior learning process and then fill in any gaps with individualised training, with that training component being delivered free of charge. 

“This initiative would be based off the current NSW Government Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program that has helped over 1,200 students gain their trade qualification.

“HIA welcomes recognition that a single policy solution will not address our chronic skills shortages in the industry, instead we need a raft of solutions to solve the skills conundrum and get all hands on deck to build the homes Australia desperately needs,” concluded Ms Martin.

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
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