WA is now eyeing tradies in NZ and offering a bonus for them to relocate. Picture: stock
The WA Government has expanded efforts to recruit tradies from eastern Australia to New Zealand by offering them $10,000 bonuses to relocate.
The government’s Build a Life in WA scheme is designed to lure construction professionals and workers from eastern Australia, and now New Zealand, in 2025.
EARLIER STORY: Perth targets eastern seaboard tradies
WA is grappling with a shortage of building and construction workers as well as new homes. As ageing workers retire, not enough apprentices are stepping in.
The government says a first payment of $5000 will be paid when a skilled worker secures a job in WA with the balance to be paid after six months employment.
WA Premier Roger Cook says they need more workers.
“… that’s why we’re expanding our Build a Life in WA incentive and casting the net across the ditch to New Zealand,” he says.
Eligible occupations include trades such as bricklaying, cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, glazing, plumbing and tiling.
“From January 2025, skilled building and construction workers from across Australia and New Zealand keen to work in WA … will be able to apply for two $5000 payments to help make the move,” Mr Cook says.
WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti says they are “doing everything we can” to bolster the workforce.
“By offering a $10,000 payment to offset relocation costs we’re making it easier than ever for people from across Australia and New Zealand to take the leap and work in WA’s building and construction industry,” she says.
“With a huge pipeline of building and construction projects, WA can offer suitably qualified workers a winning combination of secure, well-paid jobs.”
Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk says local recruitment is a priority but training takes time, and the work is available now.
“We know that starting a new life in a new state — or new country — doesn’t come cheap. We’re hoping this incentive will be a shot in the arm for tradies thinking of making the move to WA.
“Our message to building and construction workers from across Australia and New Zealand thinking of moving west is to take the plunge – it’ll be the best move they’ll ever make with an ongoing pipeline of work for decades to come.”
More information about the Build a Life in WA, click here at www.buildalife.wa.gov.au
