The Allan Labor Government has announced a new push to strengthen Victoria’s construction workforce, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Master Builders Victoria (MBV) and the Victorian TAFE Network.
The aim is simple but urgent, more skilled people to deliver more homes. With the state targeting thousands of new builds, the sector needs not just boots on site, but experienced trainers to pass skills on.
“This agreement between TAFEs and MBV will help build the skilled workforce Victoria needs,” said Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney. “We’re partnering with the construction industry to drive innovation, improve training, create jobs and attract more people to the sector.”
Turning Builders into Trainers
One of the big challenges is finding qualified teachers. Without enough trainers, TAFEs can’t run the courses that feed the industry. Under the new MoU, TAFEs and MBV will actively encourage skilled tradespeople to consider teaching, promoting pathways, offering mentoring, and making the transition from site to classroom more achievable.
It’s a move that some in the industry say is overdue. Many experienced builders have decades of knowledge that risk disappearing when they down tools. This agreement gives them a way to keep contributing and get paid for it.
Opening Doors for the Next Generation
The partnership also has a focus on schools, especially encouraging girls and women to explore building careers. This includes promoting apprenticeships, showcasing pathways, and linking students to real-world opportunities with local employers, particularly in regional areas.
Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing said it’s about matching growth with quality. “As Melbourne grows, we need to grow well,” she said. “A highly skilled workforce will continue to deliver the safe, high-quality and affordable homes that Victorians deserve.”
Industry and Government Pulling in the Same Direction
This isn’t the first time the state has invested in construction skills. The $50 million Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence, announced earlier this year, will serve as a national hub for skills, training, and innovation in housing.
More than 33,300 Victorians have already taken up Free TAFE construction and housing courses since 2019, saving a combined $71 million in tuition fees. Nearly 190,000 students have used Free TAFE overall. That’s a big injection into an industry where margins are tight, deadlines are real, and demand for capable people is constant.
Michaela Lihou, CEO of MBV, said the agreement goes beyond just signing papers. “Whether it is innovation in teaching, mentoring new trainers or connecting graduates with jobs, we are ensuring Victoria’s building and construction industry stays strong, skilled and sustainable.”
The TGB Take
Good builders know that the future of the trade depends on who’s coming through next. You can’t build homes without people who know how to build them and you can’t teach the next generation without skilled, passionate trainers in the room.
This MoU is one piece of a bigger puzzle. It won’t solve the skills shortage overnight, but it’s a sign that government, industry, and educators can work together on a shared goal: more skilled people building quality homes.
For builders, it’s worth watching how this plays out. If you’ve been thinking about mentoring or training, this might be your nudge. And if you’re looking for fresh apprentices or site-ready graduates, closer ties between TAFEs and MBV could make them easier to find.
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