Labor promises fast track for 6,000 tradies

A RE-ELECTED Albanese Labor government will invest $78 million to help 6,000 experienced workers become fully qualified tradies under a new national program.

The Advanced Entry Trades Training program, announced as an election commitment on Wednesday, will use recognition of prior learning to assess existing skills and offer free, tailored training to fill any gaps.

The initiative is based on a successful New South Wales model and is expected to speed up qualifications, with most participants completing their training in around seven months.

Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the election commitment would remove barriers faced by older or unqualified workers already in the industry.

“We are making it easier for workers with existing knowledge and skills to get the recognition and qualifications they deserve.”

Research from Master Builders Australia shows that every new qualified tradie results in an additional 2.4 homes built each year.

The program is part of Labor’s broader plan to construct 1.2 million homes over five years, including 100,000 homes for first home buyers.

The announcement builds on other Labor initiatives such as Free TAFE, apprentice incentive payments, and targeted funding to support women and people with disability into the construction workforce.

Minister for Housing Clare O’Neil said the policy would support housing delivery across the country.

“It’s tomorrow’s tradies who will help us build our way out of this housing crisis, and Labor is backing them in, every step of the way,” she said.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the initiative would work alongside the government’s broader $43 billion housing plan.

The new program would begin in 2026, with details such as eligible trades and experience levels to be developed in partnership with state and territory governments.