$5 million for more tradies to train tradies of the future
More tradies will be able to become trade teachers for free, under a new program being funded by the Albanese Labor Government.
The Government is investing $5 million, in a series of pilot projects, to get experienced tradies to train the electrical and construction workers of the future, growing the skilled workforce to build more homes and power Australia’s future.
Under the initiative, tradespeople will be supported to join the vocational and education training (VET) workforce as teachers, trainers and assessors in these critical sectors.
Participants will be able to undertake a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment at no cost, while receiving mentoring, induction support and practical experience through participating TAFEs and RTOs to ensure they succeed as VET teachers.
Two Jobs and Skills Councils – BuildSkills Australia and Powering Skills Organisation – will work with registered training organisations (RTOs) and industry partners to attract, support and prepare eligible tradespeople in electrical and construction industries to embark on a career in VET.
The pilot projects form part of the Albanese Government’s VET Workforce Blueprint with states and territories, which expands opportunities for more Australians to join the VET workforce as teachers, trainers and assessors, and backs them to succeed.
It follows other investments into growing the VET workforce, including $70 million in investment by the Albanese Government under the National Skills Agreement, towards work by states and territories to grow the VET workforce in their jurisdictions. States and territories are matching this investment.
For further information, visit BuildSkills (construction) www.buildskills.com.au/yournextbigproject and Powering Skills Organisation (electrical) www.poweringskills.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“The best people to train tradies are tradies themselves – people who know the work, have the experience of the job and understand why we need to keep growing the pipeline of workers in these critical jobs.
“Whether it's building homes, working with battery technology, maintaining electric vehicles or supporting major construction and renewable energy projects, these are the jobs that Australians rely on every day, and are critical to our future success.
“By investing in the VET workforce, our Government is ensuring we can keep backing Australians to pursue careers in these industries.”
Quotes attributable to BuildSkills Australia CEO, Brett Schimming:
“A strong vocational education and training workforce is essential to delivering the skilled workers Australia needs now and into the future.”
“This pilot creates a practical pathway for experienced tradespeople to bring their industry knowledge and expertise into teaching and training roles, helping to strengthen capability across the training system.
“Participants will be supported to build the skills and capability they need to make a successful transition from industry into the VET workforce. By bringing qualified industry professionals into our classrooms and workshops, we can help ensure learners and apprentices continue to benefit from current, practical industry experience while building the future workforce for the construction sector.”
Quotes attributable to Powering Skills Organisation CEO, Anthea Middleton:
“Australia's energy transition will only move as fast as the skilled workforce behind it. We need experienced electricians and tradespeople not only working in the industry, but helping train the next generation coming through.”
“This initiative creates an opportunity for experienced electricians to share their expertise in a different way, helping pass on practical skills that industry depends on.
“It's a practical investment in workforce capability that will strengthen training capacity now and help support the delivery of major energy, infrastructure and electrification projects into the future.”