Employment and Skills

10 May 2024

Construction workers boost

The housing and construction sector will receive a $90.6 millionboost to increase the number of skilled workers following a pre-Budget announcement this week. 

Of that, $88.8 million will be provided for up to 20,000 new fee-free training places (locations to be negotiated between states and territories) over two years from 2025. These places may be offered by both TAFEs and registered training organisations.

The government will also direct $1.8 million towards Trades Recognition Australia to fast-track skills assessments, including around 1,900 potential migrants from countries with comparable housing and construction qualifications. 

Increase to international student savings requirements

There will be a further increase to the amount of savings international students will need in order to get a student visa. 

This was increased from $21,041 to $24,505 on 1 October last year to account for indexation, as the level  since it was frozen in 2019 and will now further increase to $29,710. 

These changes will come into effect from today.

Next Committee meeting

The next E&S Committee meeting will be held from 10:00am-1:00pm on Thursday, 23 May 2024. 

The meeting will be held in person at the VACC offices (650 Victoria Street, North Melbourne, Victoria, 3051) however, there will also be virtual capabilities for those not able to attend in person. 

If members would like to attend and have not received an invitation, please contact David Alexander or Sam McKenna. 







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