It's a "great move" that will keep young women and men in the building and construction industry working, says Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn.
The $2 billion skills package has two parts. The first is aimed at keeping those in apprenticeships and traineeships employed, and accounts for $1.5 billion. The second provides $500 million for vocational and education and training courses and is aimed at school leavers and job hunters.
JobTrainer covers half the wage eligible employers pay employees and trainees, up to $7000 per quarter.
"The building and construction industry trains more apprentices and provides more full-time jobs than any other sector in the economy," says Wawn, who looks forward to being involved in the implementation of the package. "With the support of measures like JobTrainer, HomeBuilder and, hopefully, more stimulus measures and policy reforms in the future, our industry will play a vital role in rebuilding Australia," she says.