Government

South Australia ramps up construction apprenticeships to tackle housing crisis

Addressing the housing crisis, the SA government has announced a significant boost in building and construction apprenticeships, introducing 30,000 new training spots over the next five years, alongside a $38 million funding increase to support these initiatives.

In an effort to combat the ongoing housing crisis, the SA government has announced an expanded investment into building and construction apprenticeships. This move is seen as an essential component towards creating employment and addressing the housing demand challenges facing the state.

Premier Peter Malinauskas alongside Blair Boyer, the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, launched the updated plan by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). The Annual Training Plan sees a notable increase in funds and resources aimed at bolstering the sector’s workforce. Over the next five years, the government plans to introduce 30,000 new training places, representing a significant uptick of 1,000 spots per year from current levels.

Under the outlined initiatives, the government has dedicated almost $38 million towards supporting over 7,800 apprentices, which marks an almost 10 percent increase in funding compared to the previous year. This financial boost will support several critical programs including an increase in funding for short course training programs by 11 percent to $6.4 million and the provision of up to five accredited driving lessons through the Career Driven initiative.

Additionally, a new collaboration between doorways2construction and the SA Housing Authority at Mount Gambier has been introduced along with a work equipment voucher scheme offering $500 to help apprentices acquire essential gear and tools. Other measures aim to enhance school-industry connections, increasing the number of industry immersion programs by 32 percent and supported mature age apprenticeships.

The effort aligns with the broader measures introduced in the 2024-25 State Budget which includes a record $692.6 million additional funding over five years for vocational education and training (VET). This effort, part of the National Skills Agreement (NSA), brings the total investment to $2.3 billion in partnership with the Commonwealth.

Premier Malinauskas expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “The housing crisis is complex and won’t be fixed overnight, but we are doing everything we can to address the urgent needs now and into the future.”

As the demand for skilled construction workers continues to grow, these measures aim to attract and retain a broader and more diverse workforce. The state government and related agencies are hopeful that the infusion of funding and the broad range of initiatives will lead to a sustainable improvement in both the housing market and the local economy.

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