- Cook Government's $10,000 incentive to help qualified building and construction workers from across Australia relocate to WA expanded
- Eligible New Zealand citizens also able to apply to Build a Life in WA
- New program aims to grow WA's building and construction workforce
- Applications open January 2025
The State Government's Build a Life in WA incentive, designed to help lure building and construction professionals and tradespeople from across Australia to Western Australia, has been expanded, with skilled workers from New Zealand also encouraged to move west in 2025.
The $10,000 incentive will further bolster the State's building and construction workforce and provide WA employers with the skilled workers they need to meet demand, particularly in the residential housing sector.
From January 2025, those moving to WA from across Australia and New Zealand to take up jobs in an eligible occupation in the building and construction sector will be able to claim the incentive.
An initial $5,000 payment will be paid when a skilled worker has secured employment with a WA employer, with a further $5,000 payment available after completing six months employment in WA's building and construction industry.
Suitably qualified Australian citizens and residents from all Australian states and territories, as well as New Zealand citizens eligible for a Special Category visa (Subclass 444) on arrival in Australia, are able to apply for the Build a Life in WA incentive.
Eligible building and construction occupations include critical trades such as bricklaying, cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, glazing, plumbing and tiling.
More information about the Build a Life in WA incentive is available at www.buildalife.wa.gov.au .
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"To build more homes we need the workers, and that's why we're expanding our Build a Life in WA incentive - and casting the net across the ditch to New Zealand.
"From January 2025, skilled building and construction workers from across Australia and New Zealand keen to work in WA in jobs such as bricklaying, cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical and plumbing will be able to apply for two $5,000 payments to help make the move.
"Whether it's training locals or encouraging skilled professionals to venture west, my Government is doing everything possible to get more boots on the ground so we can get homes built sooner.
"With our strong economy, secure employment and great lifestyle, it's an exciting time to live and work in WA, and we look forward to welcoming tradies and building professionals from all over Australia and New Zealand to the best State."
As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
"Our Government is doing everything we can to boost the building and construction workforce so we can unlock more housing for Western Australians.
"By offering a $10,000 payment to offset relocation costs we're making it easier than ever for people from across Australia and New Zealand to take the leap and work in WA's building and construction industry.
"With a huge pipeline of building and construction projects, WA can offer suitably qualified workers a winning combination of secure, well-paid jobs - and a fantastic lifestyle too."
As stated by Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk:
"Our State Government is serious about getting more tradies on the tools so we can build more homes.
"Training local workers will always be our priority - and we're doing that in record numbers - but that takes time, and the work in the building and construction industry is available right now.
"We know that starting a new life in a new state - or a new country - doesn't come cheap, and we're hoping this incentive will be a shot in the arm for tradies thinking of making the move to WA.
"Eligible workers will get $5,000 once they have evidence of employment in WA's building and construction industry, and a further $5,000 once they demonstrate six months of ongoing work in the industry.
"Our message to building and construction workers from across Australia and New Zealand thinking of moving west is to take the plunge - it'll be the best move they'll ever make with an ongoing pipeline of work for decades to come."
