- Construction Training Fund Disaster Recovery Grant extended to help bring tradies to Kimberley communities hit hard by flooding
- Extra support available for employers, apprentices and trainees involved in the rebuild
- Part of the State Government's $3.5 million investment to encourage tradies to work in disaster affected communities
- Applications now open, with the program extended to 2025
The State Government has extended a $3.5 million program designed to attract skilled workers to disaster affected communities, so they can get back on their feet sooner.
Employers, apprentices and trainees working to rebuild Kimberley communities hit hard by flooding can now apply for the Construction Training Fund (CTF) Disaster Recovery Grant.
The initiative was launched in late 2021 to help to rebuild communities affected by the Wooroloo bushfire and Cyclone Seroja. It was originally due to end in 2023, but has been extended for another two years, and broadened out to areas impacted by Cyclone Ellie.
Under the scheme, employers of apprentices and trainees working in the affected regions can claim an additional grant of up to $3,000 annually until June 2025.
Apprentices or trainees can claim up to $1,000 annually over the same period to cover costs such as travel and accommodation.
Currently, eligible businesses that have an apprentice or trainee can receive CTF grants of up to $21,000 to help with the costs of training.
Subsidies are also available to eligible applicants for recognised short courses to anyone working in construction in the affected areas.
For more information or to apply go to: https://ctf.wa.gov.au/funding/disaster-recovery-grant
As stated by Training Minister Simone McGurk:
"Attracting construction workers right now can be a challenge. That's why it's so important that tradies working in those areas of the Kimberley affected by flooding can now access financial support.
"This scheme recognises the cost of doing business in the regions while also attracting a skilled local workforce. I'm pleased we're able to extend it for another two years.
"The recovery will take time, but first and foremost we need boots on the ground. I would encourage employers, trainees and apprentices to apply - and help make a real difference."
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The flooding disaster in the Kimberley is unlike anything we've ever seen before - by extending this incentive into the region we hope to encourage more tradies to go where they're needed most.
"We saw how valuable this initiative was, and continues to be, assisting in the rebuild following the Wooroloo bushfires and Cyclone Seroja, and it's great to see it being rolled out in the Kimberley.
"By extending the program for another two years we're helping encourage workers to stay in the regions, which will help boost recovery efforts in the long term."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna
"Kimberley communities are resilient and strong, but we need skilled workers here to help rebuild.
"It's great to see this initiative being extended to aid in the flood recovery and I would urge tradies based in the Kimberley and around the State to apply."
