Funding Support Overview

The Construction Training Fund is helping to develop the skills required in a modern, safe and productive building and construction industry by supporting training programs across all sectors of the industry.

Since its inception, the Construction Training Fund has distributed over $220 million to support training in the industry. Over $24 million was invested in training during 2008/09.

Support for Employers

The Construction Training Fund supports a strong, vibrant apprenticeship and traineeship system, helping to overcome shortages of skilled tradespeople, particularly during times of growth. The Fund is helping to reduce the cost of employment and training by offering substantial grants of up to $13 800 to employers of registered apprentices and trainees in WA’s building and construction industry.

The following standard grants are available to eligible employers of apprentices and trainees in relevant construction qualifications:

Apprenticeships
24 month Certificate III $7 000
36 month Certificate III $9 000
42 month Certificate III $9 000
48 month Certificate IV $9 000

Traineeships
12 month Certificate II $3 500
24 month Certificate III $7 000
24 month Certificate IV $7 000
36 month Certificate IV $9 000

Mature–age supplement

If an apprentice or trainee is 21 years of age upon registration of a training contract with the Department of Training and Workforce Development, an employer may be eligible to claim a mature-age supplement of up to $3 000, depending on the qualification.

Regional weighting

In recognition of additional costs faced by employers in regional areas, the Fund is providing additional grants to employers commencing regional apprentices and trainees.

An employer commencing an apprentice or trainee whose home residence is north of the 26th parallel will receive an additional 20% of the standard grant; employers commencing an apprentice or trainee whose home residence is south of the 26th parallel (and outside an 80km radius of the Perth CBD) will receive an additional 10% of the standard grant.

For more information about conditions, eligibility and payment structures, contact us on (08) 9244 0100

Support for Industry Employees

The Construction Training Fund also assists the building and construction industry to remain efficient and competitive by supporting the training of a skilled workforce.

Funding is available to reduce training costs making it easier for eligible businesses and employees to access the training they need when they need it.

The Construction Training Fund can subsidise up to 80% of the median course cost of training through its Supplementary Skills Program, providing support for approved Construction Skills or Industry Skills courses. Please see Subsidy Guidelines for further information on subsidies.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning/skills recognition (RPL) is the only way to have existing skills and experience assessed against an Australian nationally recognised qualification. The Construction Training Fund can provide a subsidy of up to $440 to eligible industry workers who successfully complete an RPL assessment through a registered training organisation (RTO).

Support for Apprentices

The Construction Training Fund can provide eligible apprentices with a subsidy of $35.00 per training day (to a maximum of $350.00 per calendar year) if they need to pay for commercial accommodation to attend off-the-job training with a registered training organisation (RTO).

Apprentices seeking to claim the subsidy should read the guidelines for eligibility and complete an appropriate claim form.

Contact the Construction Training Fund on (08) 9244 0100 for more information on any of the Fund's subsidy programs.

Please note: all figures quoted do not include GST