Construction has always been a significant and important pillar of Western Australia’s economy. The building and construction industry is the third-largest employment sector in WA and is responsible for educating and training many young apprentices and trainees every year — apprentices who will go on to build the future infrastructure and housing that the state needs. So, it’s kind of an important industry, to say the least.
So, how is the industry being supported to ensure that there will always be a diverse, skilled, and sustainable construction workforce for WA? Heard of the Construction Training Fund aka the CTF?
The CTF provides funding and support to the building and construction industry in Western Australia so that it can deliver a range of programs and initiatives, including:
- Employer grants: The CTF provides grants to employers who employ apprentices and trainees. These grants can help offset costs such as training, wages, materials, and equipment.
- Upskilling and short-course funding: The CTF provides subsidies for upskilling and short-course training costs for construction workers. This training can help workers stay up-to-date on the latest skills and technologies.
- Disaster recovery grants: The CTF offers extra support through the Disaster Recovery Construction Training Grant for those involved in rebuilding areas affected by natural disasters such as Cyclone Seroja, Wooroloo bushfires, and Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie, providing employers, apprentices, and trainees in the affected regions with additional grants of up to $3,000 annually until June 2025.
- Apprentice tool allowance: Until June 30, 2023, the CTF provides a $500 rebate to apprentices who purchase tools and safety equipment required for their trade.
- Recognition of Prior Learning: The CTF helps construction workers who have relevant work experience but no formal qualifications to get recognition for their skills.
A Variety Of Career Paths And A Sense Of Pride
The building and construction industry is often seen as a male-dominated industry with long hours and hard, physical work. However, the industry is changing and there are many opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups in the workforce.
The industry is more diversified in career choice options than it ever has been before. From working on-site in one of the many stages of residential or commercial construction to a more office-based role in architecture, design, estimation, or contract administration, there are opportunities that suit people of all backgrounds and preferences.
The CTF is working to improve the perception of the building and construction industry by highlighting the many benefits of a career in construction. Benefits such as high wages — we all have that friend in the construction industry that makes significantly more than we do and we always ask ourselves, ‘why didn’t I pursue a career in construction?’
Working in construction also gives the ability to work on a variety of projects, from small renovations to large infrastructure projects. This variety helps to keep the work interesting and challenging.
The biggest benefit, though, is the opportunity to make a difference — construction workers are able to have a positive impact on their communities by building new homes, schools, hospitals, and other much-needed infrastructure.
How Can The CTF Support You?
If you are interested in a career in construction or would like to know how the CTF can help to support you, there are a number of resources available on the CTF website.
This article was sponsored by the Construction Training Fund. All images supplied.
