Around 300 apprentices and cadets in the NSW construction and housing sector will be supported thanks to an $80 million investment in the NSW Budget.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the $80 million will be invested over four years to support apprentices, trainees and cadets on social housing projects delivered by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation and provide a helping hand to young people whose job prospects have been impacted by the COVID-19 downturn.

“This investment will provide opportunities for young people to develop strong foundational skills and prepare them for a future career in growing sectors, delivering new housing for those who need it most,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the investment will deliver lasting economic benefits for NSW.

“This program not only provides young people with practical, on-the-job training benefiting the whole industry into the future, it will also deliver diverse housing for vulnerable citizens and a much-needed boost to the State’s economy,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Social housing tenants around the state will be encouraged to apply to be part of the program, with the program designed to support tenants to gain employment and transition out of social housing in line with the Government’s Future Directions for Social Housing policy.”

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the investment will provide another boost for the State as we overcome the economic impact of COVID-19.

“The $80 million package provides real opportunities for the next generation of construction workers to work alongside experienced, seasoned professionals to hone their skills,” Mr Lee said.
The package includes:

• $40 million over four years, to grow the long-standing partnership between LAHC and TAFE NSW, where construction students work alongside professional tradespeople to gain invaluable hands-on experience to build 100 new social housing properties.
• $10 million towards delivering training and wage subsidies that will support cadetships in social housing tenancy and property management. These future jobs will be delivered via the Certificate IV in Social Housing provided by the NSW Community Housing Industry Association.
• $30 million to enable apprenticeships or traineeships to be created so that young people and mature aged apprentices can be confidently placed with host construction employers focused on delivering new social housing. The scheme will partner with group training organisations connected to peak industry bodies, such as the Housing Industry Association and the Master Builders Association, and will also be supported by Training Services NSW. 

The components of this package will directly cater towards the increasing demand for skilled apprentices by the NSW construction industry.

Currently, LAHC is partnering with TAFE NSW on three delivery projects, including projects under construction at Fairfield and Dubbo. Combined, these projects will help an estimated 130 pre-apprentice students working on different trades, to deliver 21 new social homes.

Tenants will be directly contacted next week, and be given a link to a website where more information will be available.