New figures revealing an extraordinary surge in regional building trade costs have reinforced the need for The Nationals’ $337 million plan to train more skilled workers and apprentices across Victoria.
The latest Housing Industry Association figures showed trade prices had risen 18.1 per cent in regional Victoria over the past year, compared to a 3.1 per cent fall in Melbourne.
Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy said the difference between metropolitan and regional Victoria was stark.
“Regional Victorians are paying the price for a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople,” Ms Kealy said.
“While trade costs are falling in Melbourne, they’re skyrocketing in regional Victoria. That’s making it harder to build homes, expand businesses and attract the workers our communities desperately need.
“You can’t build more homes without the tradies to build them.”
If elected to government, The Nationals have committed to:
- A new Accelerating Apprenticeships Fund to cover half of off-the-job training costs for each apprentice, easing the burden on small businesses
- 10 new technical colleges, giving 5000 secondary students hands-on training in trades such as plumbing, electrical and carpentry
Ms Kealy said The Nationals were determined to give regional young people more opportunities to learn a trade and build a career close to home.
“Not every young person wants or needs to go to university, and not every student learns best sitting behind a desk,” she said.
“The Nationals want to give young people the opportunity to get their hands on the tools sooner, learn practical skills and move into rewarding careers.
“Our local builders and businesses are crying out for skilled workers. The Nationals will make it easier for them to take on apprentices and train the next generation.
“More local tradies means more homes, stronger businesses and more opportunities for young people to stay in the communities they love.
“Regional Victoria deserves its fair share of training opportunities and skilled workers. The Nationals will deliver the pathways our young people need and the workforce our communities depend on.”