I note that extensive industry consultation took place to evolve the 2024 Training Plan, and I thank industry stakeholders for their comments and advice to aid the development of the Plan.
The Authority was established in May 1999, and the implementation of the training levy commenced the same year. Since its establishment, the Authority has funded $37,601,181 for the training of existing workers and $24,961,834 for entry-level training.
Over the past 20 years, the Authority has made incentive payments to employers and group training organisations (GTOs) to assist them in the employment of apprentices in areas of skills needs across the many industry sectors. These incentives assist the industry to overcome skills shortages and also provide employment opportunities for young people seeking a career in the building and construction industry.
As in past years, the 2024 Training Plan will provide a policy framework for the funding of training for entry-level and existing workers in a wide range of occupations. It will also provide funding for other training, promotional and research related activities in the industry.
Through the 2024 Training Plan, the Authority expects to provide over $4.5 million in funding for training in the industry and $1.5 million in incentives to employers and GTOs that employ and train apprentices in the industry.
I am pleased that the Authority will continue its substantial commitment to fund Work Health and Safety (WHS) training for workers in the industry. More than $1 million in rebates for WHS specific training was provided to eligible workers in 2023, including in asbestos and silica-related training. This training has made a real difference in providing building and construction workers with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and others.
The ACT Government is currently developing Industry Action Plans under Skilled to Succeed: skills and workforce agenda for the ACT. The Authority will play an important role in delivering on priorities in the Building and Construction Industry Action Plan to support the sector’s skills and workforce challenges and opportunities.
The ACT Government will also review the Building and Construction Industry Levy Act 1999 to ensure the Act is contemporary and the Authority is meeting the training and skills needs of the ACT building and construction industry.
In 2024, the Authority will continue to fund the Tradeswomen in Building and Construction campaign that was launched in September 2008 to encourage women to seek a career in the industry.
I would like to congratulate the Authority Board for also agreeing to sponsor the Pipeline for Women in Construction program over 2023 and 2024. This Program will run in partnership with the ACT Office for Women, the Education Directorate and key industry stakeholders. The Program continues following outstanding achievements in 2022, which saw over 1,000 students in Year 7 and 8, from 37 classes and more than 100 female and non-binary participants in the structured work experience program. Initiatives such as this support increased female participation in Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASBAs) and new Australian Apprenticeships in the building and construction industry here in the ACT.
I recommend the 2024 Training Plan to all stakeholders who participate in training for the ongoing development of the building and construction industry in the ACT.
Minister Chris Steel MLA
Minister for Skills
September 2023