The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) has welcomed federal government funding designed to boost the number of skilled workers in the construction and housing sectors.

The funding includes an $88.8 million commitment to fee-free places in the building and construction sector. This will incorporate $62.4 million, working with states and territories, to deliver an additional 15,000 skills training places to support the construction sector over two years from 1 January 2025 as well as $26.4 million, working with states and territories, to deliver approximately 5,000 places in pre-apprenticeship programs over two years from 1 January 2025.

“ITECA welcomes the announcement with the understanding that the state and territory governments can use this additional investment to support a student wanting to study with either a quality independent training provider or a public TAFE college,” ITECA chief executive Troy Williams says.

“Over the medium term, this additional funding will put more qualified tradespeople on construction sites countrywide. ITECA members are looking forward to delivering, alongside public TAFE colleges, the quality skills training that will make this possible.”

ITECA works closely with key industry associations in the building and construction sector, all of which report skills shortages are leading to delays in project delivery. It is in this context that ITECA welcomes the initiative.