Fee-Free Training Lays Foundations for WA’s Housing Future
Western Australia’s housing workforce is set to receive a major boost, with the WA Government announcing a $21.9 million investment to add seven new building and construction qualifications to TAFE’s fee-free and low-fee course list for 2026.
The expansion is part of a long-term effort to tackle the housing and skills shortage, and it positions TAFE as the central training ground for the next generation of builders, trades, and construction professionals.
With the addition of these new qualifications, there will be around 50 fee-free and low-fee construction courses available across WA next year, an unprecedented range designed to equip more Western Australians for jobs in housing construction, electrical work, plumbing, and other essential trades.
Building Homes Starts With Building Skills
Minister for Skills and TAFE Amber-Jade Sanderson said the initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to making education affordable and accessible while addressing workforce shortages in critical sectors.
“TAFE is the gateway to rewarding careers and well-paid jobs,” Ms Sanderson said. “Our latest investment means there will be around 50 fee-free and low-fee building and construction courses on offer in 2026. We’re making it easier for people to get skilled, get qualified, and get to work helping build more homes for Western Australians.”
The announcement builds on the Cook Government’s ‘You Can Make It Here’ campaign a statewide push to promote TAFE as the go-to destination for practical, hands-on training.
The seven new qualifications include five apprenticeship courses, providing direct entry into trades vital to the housing pipeline, including plumbing, bricklaying and blocklaying, wall and ceiling lining, and solid plastering.
Pathways Into Apprenticeships
The investment complements existing fee-free pre-apprenticeships that give Western Australians the foundational skills needed to start careers in key trades such as bricklaying, cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing.
By completing a pre-apprenticeship, students gain credits towards a full apprenticeship, reducing training time and costs, and accelerating their entry into the workforce.
Since the start of 2025, nearly 850 students have enrolled in housing-related pre-apprenticeships across WA’s TAFE network. Enrolments in electrotechnology, the pathway to becoming an electrician have surged by almost 150 students compared to the previous year, highlighting growing interest in the sector.
For many young Western Australians, fee-free TAFE is more than just a cost-saving measure, it’s a genuine pathway to secure, in-demand careers.
A Workforce to Match the Housing Pipeline
Housing and Works Minister John Carey said the government’s TAFE investment is directly tied to its goal of increasing housing supply and supporting the state’s strong construction activity.
“Our government is doing everything it can to ensure all Western Australians have a place to call home, and key to this is growing our housing construction workforce,” Mr Carey said.
“WA leads the nation in dwelling starts and the number of new homes completed has reached an eight-year high. But we’re not stopping there, offering five apprenticeship courses fee-free next year will open up new pathways for Western Australians to train in construction and pursue long-term careers in building our state.”
Strengthening the Link Between Training and Industry
The expanded list of fee-free courses aligns with the needs of industry and builders who have been calling for faster, more consistent pathways into the trades.
For builders and employers, this investment helps ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers entering the market, a critical factor in meeting demand for new homes.
It also provides opportunities for mid-career workers looking to transition into construction. With low-fee options available and flexible delivery models, the program removes many of the traditional barriers to entry for adult learners and career changers.
“Fee-free and low-fee TAFE training gives Western Australians practical options,” Ms Sanderson said. “Whether they’re leaving school, retraining, or looking to upskill, there’s a pathway for everyone.”
From Classroom to Construction Site
With nearly 50 construction courses on offer, TAFE is evolving into a direct extension of the housing industry, connecting learning with real-world outcomes.
The programs are developed in consultation with industry bodies such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders Association (MBA), ensuring that course content matches the needs of employers and aligns with regulatory and safety requirements.
Graduates move quickly from the classroom to the job site, contributing to WA’s broader housing and infrastructure pipeline.
As the demand for new homes continues to rise across regional and metropolitan WA, initiatives like these help ensure that workforce capacity doesn’t become the bottleneck.
Long-Term Payoff for Builders and the Economy
The Government’s approach demonstrates how education policy can double as housing policy addressing workforce gaps that have constrained home delivery timelines in recent years.
By targeting funding toward high-demand trades, the state is not only helping individuals start new careers but also supporting the broader construction ecosystem from small residential builders to large-scale developers.
The result is a stronger, more resilient industry that can keep up with the state’s ambitious housing and infrastructure goals.
Enrolments Now Open
Applications for Semester 1, 2026 TAFE courses are now open, with standard courses closing 6 February 2026, and competitive courses closing 14 November 2025.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit tafe.wa.edu.au or contact their local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64 for more information about building and construction pathways.
With housing, jobs, and training at the forefront of WA’s agenda, fee-free TAFE is more than an education policy, it’s a foundation for the next generation of builders shaping Western Australia’s future.
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