Funding boost to tackle skills challenges in SA

South Australian tradespeople will have greater access to affordable courses to improve their skills under a $430,000 funding boost secured by the Construction Industry Training Levy.

The extra funding comes as demand in building and construction activity surges across South Australia, including in regional areas.

Extra funding will enable further savings on subsidised training courses initiated by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The funding also will help regional tradespeople to access more training to secure their jobs and ensure a qualified pool of apprentices are licensed and work-ready outside of metropolitan Adelaide.

CITB Presiding Member Maree Wauchope said the new funding measures reflected industry priorities and would focus on the most in-demand skill areas to meet significant consumer interest in the federal government’s HomeBuilder Grants scheme.

Almost 14,000 grants, each worth $25,000, have been handed out in South Australia — the highest rate per capita in the country.

“The board made the decision to increase funding for successful training initiatives and to maintain support into the next financial year,” Wauchope said.

“The CITB works to ensure levy payments are invested in crucial areas that matter like apprenticeship support and direct funding for high-quality training. This is a great outcome for the industry and the state.”

The financial boost is supported by Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni.

“South Australia’s economy is roaring back to life with 15,300 jobs created in the last month as a home building boom creates massive demand for tradies,” Pisoni said.

“The Marshall government’s $280 million investment in skills training is critical to ensuring South Australia has the skilled workforce necessary to drive further investment and even greater job creation.”

CITB Chief Executive Officer Andrew Fullgrabe said the average cost of undertaking more than 100 courses would be halved and the range of courses available to more than 6000 apprentices broadened.

“This includes courses to upskill employees in work health and safety training, construction skills and management,” Fullgrabe said.

Training providers will be supported to deliver more courses in regional areas with a doubling of the existing travel subsidy.

Fullgrabe said the Construction Industry Training Levy helped more than 13,000 construction workers access more affordable training last financial year.

“Our current funding boost is targeted to deliver more assistance to individuals and businesses,” he said.

“The levy is helping construction workers undertake training that complements their existing trade qualifications and improves their skills or knowledge.

“At a time when the construction industry is undergoing significant challenges, South Australia’s current and prospective construction workers are accessing training the levy supports now more than ever.”

To learn more about the CITB, visit the website: citb.org.au.

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