CITB Unveils 2024-25 Annual Training Plan to Boost South Australia’s Construction Industry

As South Australia gears up for a significant increase in building and construction works, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) proudly announces the release of the 2024-25 Annual Training Plan. This comprehensive plan aims to address the growing pressures and demands within the construction sector, exacerbated by the economic uncertainty and high costs following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the critical shortage of available and affordable housing.

A Bright Future for South Australia’s Economy

Despite the challenges, recent months have shown signs of a robust recovery. South Australia boasts a strong economy, low unemployment, and a pipeline of major projects set to drive growth. The State Government’s long-term initiatives promise to transform the region, with key projects including:

• The industrial upswing through the Upper Spencer Gulf as part of the State Prosperity Project
• The $15 billion completion of the South Road upgrade
• The $3.5 billion new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Additionally, there is a strong focus on increasing housing supply and boosting workforce capacity, ensuring a prosperous future for South Australia’s construction industry.

Holly Willcox, Chief Executive Officer says “This plan shows that collaboration between industry, government, and industry groups can help generate initiatives that provide high-quality outcomes for the industry as a whole. As demand for construction services continues, we must do more to attract and retain a broader workforce. This plan focuses on that.”

“This work will support employers in the construction industry, provide training for apprentices and existing construction workers, and engage students on career opportunities in construction into the future. The plan sets out an ambitious program to support a record number of apprentices over the next 12 months.” said John Chapman OAM, Presiding Member of CITB.

Key Highlights of the 2024-25 Annual Training Plan

Supporting Apprentices:

• A record number of 7,800 apprentices will be supported, marking a 6% increase
• $500 vouchers for work equipment and personal protective gear will ensure apprentices are job-ready from day one.

Increased Funding:

• An 11% increase in funding for short courses and new initiatives like the Career Driven program, which provides driving lessons to doorways2construction students.

Industry Immersion Programs:

• A 32% increase in industry immersion programs in schools, with additional support for more mature age apprentices.
• An additional doorways2construction and SA Housing Authority Program at Mt Gambier.

Short Course Funding:

• The Short Course funding of $6.4 million has been increased by 11% ($640K) to meet the growing industry demand, supporting over 200 short courses across 42 training providers.

doorways2construction Program:

• Funding for the doorways2construction program has been increased by 11% to $2.05M, enhancing opportunities for secondary school students from Year 7 to 12. This will support up to 1,500 students across 110 South Australian schools.

Building a Skilled Workforce

With these initiatives, CITB aims to provide an expanded and highly skilled workforce capable of delivering a wide range of construction projects for the benefit of the South Australian community. The focus on supporting a record number of apprentices and trainees underscores CITB’s commitment to the industry’s future.

The Future is Yours to Build

With many positive initiatives underway, CITB looks forward to a successful year ahead, thanks to the collaboration and support of industry partners and supporters. The future is bright for South Australia’s construction industry, and the opportunities are endless. The future is yours to build.

Further information on CITB’s Annual Training plan can be found HERE.