Labor pledge $78 million to fast track trade qualifications, build more homes

Labor are expected to on Wednesday announce a new $78 million plan to fast track qualification for tradies to help build more homes across Australia.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said 6000 tradies are expected to benefit under the establishment of the Advanced Entry Trades Training program which would see experienced but unqualified workers gain formal qualifications.

It forms part of Labor’s plan to boost housing supply amid an affordability crisis and meet their goal to build 1.2 million new homes in five years.

“We have a $43 billion plan to construct more homes around the country and our investments in skills and training are playing an important role in putting that plan into action,” Mr Chalmers said.

The program will assess a participants’ existing skills via a recognition of prior learning process and then fill in any gaps for free with individualised training delivered by TAFEs and other training organisations.

It will be modelled on a similar NSW program, which has seen more than 1200 students gain their trade qualification in an average time of 7 months, rather than several years.

Skills and training minister Andrew Giles said the plan would help give Australians the qualifications they want, in sectors the country needs.

“The program will recognise the skills of up to 6000 experienced but unqualified trade workers in the housing and construction sector, at no cost to the worker,” he said.

“Apprenticeship pathways are a key contributor to the workforce – but for adult workers, particularly those supporting a family, the thought of ‘restarting’ their career with an apprenticeship is a barrier to getting qualified in their trade.

“We are making it easier for workers with existing knowledge and skills to get the recognition and qualifications they deserve.”

The Coalition have also provided campaign sweeteners for the sector, including promises to build 12 new technical colleges across Australia, and allowing tradies and other small business instantly write off at least $20,000 in expenses.

The Government has also vowed to build 100,000 homes exclusively for first home buyers with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also pledging to serve as guarantor on 5 per cent deposits.