The Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) has welcomed the Commonwealth’s skills announcement, including the prioritisation of civil trades and direct financial support for apprentices entering the civil infrastructure workforce.
CCF National President Mick Boyle said the announcement reflects the importance of civil skills to Australia’s economic growth and infrastructure pipeline.
“This is a positive and practical announcement for civil apprentices and the businesses training them,” Mr Boyle said.
“It recognises that civil skills are essential, specialised and long overdue for proper acknowledgement in national skills policy.”
Mr Boyle said the announcement is the result of sustained advocacy by CCF over many years to ensure civil construction is recognised as a distinct workforce with unique skills needs.
“Civil contractors have been consistently calling for training settings that reflect the reality of our industry,” he said.
“This announcement shows that message is landing, and we thank the Government for listening.”
Under the Commonwealth’s apprenticeship framework, financial support is targeted to priority occupations, including many trades critical to civil infrastructure delivery. Eligible apprentices can access the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment, providing up to $5,000 over the first two years of an apprenticeship to help cover the cost of tools, travel and day to day living expenses.
“This support makes a real difference in the early years of training and helps apprentices stay the course,” Mr Boyle said.
CCF thanked Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles for his engagement with industry and commitment to strengthening Australia’s skills system.
“We thank Minister Giles for recognising the importance of civil skills and for working with industry to support apprentices into secure, long term careers,” Mr Boyle said.
“CCF looks forward to continuing to work with the Minister and the Government to build a skilled civil workforce capable of delivering the infrastructure Australia needs.”
