Western Australia’s peak industry body for civil construction has welcomed a new $24.5 million support package for employers of construction trainees and apprentices.

The package announced by Premier Mark McGowan, Training Minister Sue Ellery and Construction Training Fund (CTF) Chair Reg Howard-Smith today includes an immediate $2,000 payment to employers of civil construction trainees, and a further $2100 in monthly ‘maintenance payments’ comprising $350 per civil construction trainee over six months.

Civil Contractors Federation CEO Andy Graham said the State Government and the CTF were to be congratulated for moving quickly to support the continuing employment of trainees and apprentices in the civil construction sector through the COVID-19 crisis.

“Our industry is feeling the effects of the crisis, with some projects being deferred and margins on existing projects eroded due to higher costs,” Mr Graham said.

“This bonus payment will help civil contractors to maintain their workforces as they deal with these financial pressures. Access to skilled local workers will be essential in the years ahead as the civil construction sector constructs and maintains the infrastructure needed to keep our State prosperous.”

Click here to read the State Government announcement.

Click here for the full list of qualifications covered by the CTF COVID-19 support package and the payments available.