The Construction, Forestry, Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) has backed federal budget measures to help more apprentices and women forge careers in construction.
Building and construction apprentices will have access to $5000 to help them complete training, while employers will be eligible for the same amount to subsidise costs.
The Building Women's Careers program will spend $55.6 million over four years to provide flexible, safe and inclusive jobs for women in industries including construction.
CFMEU National Secretary Zach Smith:
"Apprentice tradies are in a world of pain thanks to the cost-of-living crisis, so this extra help will mean fewer drop out because of the financial squeeze," he said.
"Getting apprentice completion rates up is absolutely critical to solving some of our nation's biggest challenges like the housing crisis and energy transition.
"While the CFMEU is at the forefront of helping more women find well-paid jobs in construction, a government scheme that assists our work is a really important step.
"We're acutely aware of the barriers some women seeking careers in construction face around things like finding flexibility to balance work and care responsibilities.
"Australia needs more women and young people in well-paid construction careers that help our nation build those major projects like housing, road and rail, renewables and manufacturing."
