While the Burdekin has not seen a dramatic increase in housing construction, Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, believes a recently announced government initiative offers numerous advantages for the construction industry across the state and closer to home.
An election commitment, the Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program will deliver wage subsidies to small businesses in the construction sector that employ apprentices.
“A reduction in tradespeople in the construction industry is both a major challenge in addressing housing issues and for families and rental property managers,” Mr Last said. “Regardless of whether it’s a minor repair or a major project, we all know that usually you have to join the queue when it comes to getting a quote, let alone getting work underway.”
“Trades in the construction industry are rewarding careers and, as a government, we want to make it as easy as possible for local small businesses to hire apprentices. Not only does that address current issues, but local apprentices are more likely to stay in the area and provide services for years to come.”
“We recognise that taking on an apprentice represents a financial commitment for small business, especially when the apprentice is participating in off-site training like TAFE. Just over $10,000 per apprentice is available for construction businesses employing apprentices aged under 21 and, for apprentices over 21, the subsidy is almost $14,000.”
Mr Last said the range of trades that were eligible for the subsidy was comprehensive but stressed that support was limited to the first 2,000 eligible registered apprentices employed by businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
“The commitment made by a small business that hires an apprentice is far larger in proportion than it is for a large construction company.”
“The message is that if you are an apprentice, or employ an apprentice, in the construction, plumbing, engineering or electrical fields you need to apply for this funding as soon as possible. Regardless of whether the apprenticeship is full-time, part-time or school-based, if the apprentice commenced after July 1st in a construction related trade, they are eligible.”
“Fixing the housing shortage will take a multi-faceted approach in order to get the right results. That’s why we have taken steps to assist with making land available, provided financial assistance for headworks and why we are now helping to boost apprentice numbers.”
“We can’t just make the construction of new dwellings the sole focus. If people aren’t happy in their current home, or can’t live there due to needing repairs, you end up with more people waiting on new homes.”
“Just as it has with other issues, the government’s focus is on finding practical ways to address what has become a statewide issue."
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