The Western Australian Government has announced a $24.5 million support package to assist the building and construction industry during ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. This includes:
- $10 million dollars to provide immediate, one-off payments of $2000 to employers with existing apprentices and trainees currently receiving Construction Training Fund (CTF) grant payments
- $9.5 million to assist employers to retain existing apprentices
- And $5 million to support building and construction apprentices and trainees to complete short training courses.
The construction industry plays an important role in Western Australia, employing thousands of people across the state and will be vital in the economic recovery post-COVID-19. The State Government has announced this support package to protect jobs and back businesses during these difficult times.
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TitleWhat benefits are available?
Employers with existing apprentices and trainees who receive CTF payments may be eligible to a one-off payment of $2000 – helping keep apprentices and trainees employed during this time.
Employers may also be eligible for monthly payments from $250 to $500 per month (per apprentice or trainee). This payment is intended for trades facing the most critical skills shortages across the industry, and will supplement the CTF scheme for six months.
These payments will begin from June 1, to be backdated from April 1, 2020. Additionally, employers currently receiving CTF grants will be eligible for the new grant scheme and will need to provide evidence of the apprentice or trainee’s employment, such as a current payslip.
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TitleSupport for apprentices and trainees
The disruption to the economy has resulted in a four-fold increase in apprentice and trainee suspensions – but there is assistance available. The State Government has allocated $5 million to help apprentices and trainees upskill and continue training. As part of the package, apprentices and trainees may be able to claim up to $1000 to off-set the cost of undertaking short training courses.
Building and construction is vital to the Australian economy
The Western Australian State Government’s support package will help keep apprentices and trainees in their jobs, and support local businesses during these unprecedented times.
Building and construction is an essential service to the economy and community and this package will ensure the industry is staffed and skilled to ensure a smooth recovery.
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