More tradies to head to WA as $10,000 Construction Visa Subsidy Program lure extended

A program that offers a $10,000 sweetener to lure overseas tradies to WA will be extended for another year as the State Government looks to bolster its under-manned construction workforce. More than 1000 overseas tradies have signed up to come to WA as part of a Construction Visa Subsidy Program which offers firms looking to hire construction workers from overseas subsidies of $10,000 to offset migration agent fees, visa applications and relocation costs. Premier Roger Cook and Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk announced on Saturday the program had been extended. “We’ve now hit our target, with all initial places being snapped up,” Ms McGurk said. “Hundreds of those workers are now working on building sites, with many more progressing through the immigration system. “The feedback we’re getting from employers who have taken up this opportunity is overwhelmingly positive. “Expanding this program for the next 12 months will make more places available, so more WA employers can access up to $10,000 to offset costs such as visa application fees and relocation expenses.” Getting overseas tradies to WA under the subsidy program has been a slow process. Despite the program being launched last year, just 230 skilled construction workers have landed in WA, with another 120 expected to arrive in about a month. The arrival times for the other 750 applicants wanting to come to WA are still unknown. Even so, HIA WA boss Michael McGowan has welcomed the scheme. “The biggest thing holding us back from building new homes is skilled labour,” he said. “The Construction Visa Subsidy Program has provided businesses large and small with the opportunity to increase their capacity to help build more homes. “The program has given skilled migrants the chance to come to WA and contribute meaningfully to solve one of our biggest challenges. “It’s still a complicated process for a small business to navigate. By lessening the cost and increase the support services provided by the Government, it has removed significant barriers for employers to get involved.” Mr McGowan said the program had delivered an array of skilled workers to WA. “The program has attracted painters, cabinet-makers, carpenters, glaziers and tilers, which are all critical skills we need to finish the high volume of homes under construction,” he said. “It’s also changed the lives of those skilled migrants coming to Perth, creating a better life for them, which as a State is something we should be really proud of. “The program complements the strong focus on apprentices, which together helps build the State’s construction capacity.”