Western suburbs construction boom spurs Labor election promise

The western suburbs building boom has increased demand for tradies, with thousands more workers needed in the next five years. And a $5 million cash splash is set to boost training opportunities in Wyndham.

Lalor federal Labor MP Joanne Ryan has announced $5 million cash splash to boost construction skills at Gordon TAFE.

The western suburbs building boom has increased demand for tradies, with thousands more workers needed in the next five years.

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The demand has prompted an election pledge from the Opposition Government, with $5 million to be tipped into a Construction Skills and Future Training Apprenticeship Centre at Werribee’s Gordon TAFE if Labor is elected this month.

More than 32,000 construction workers are currently employed across Melbourne’s west and with a projected growth of 17.2 per cent in the five years to 2023, about 5000 more will be needed to meet demand.

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Lalor federal Labor MP Joanne Ryan said the centre would ensure demand for skilled tradespeople was met with a skilled workforce.

The TAFE will stump up $12 million towards the new centre, which will prepare students for jobs of the future as the construction industry moves towards automation, digital technology and robotics.

The announcement is part of Labor’s $200 million Building TAFE for the Future Fund.

“The election of a Shorten Labor Government will breathe new life into the TAFE sector and will deliver many more opportunities for our local young people,” Ms Ryan said.