The South Australian Government has teamed up with Master Builders SA to address the state’s construction industry workforce shortages. This partnership aims to support critical housing projects and public infrastructure development.
The $500,000 Build Connect program will directly link skilled migrant workers with employers in the construction industry. The initiative is expected to create over 200 employment opportunities by:
- Partnering with at least 100 employers to identify job openings.
- Matching skilled migrants with suitable construction roles.
- Offering recruitment support and coordination for both participants and employers.
- Organizing networking events to connect skilled migrants with industry leaders and peers.
Skilled migration, both onshore and offshore, is a key strategy to address the immediate demand for construction workers. The initiative will help deliver major projects like the T2D Project, the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and South Australia’s first large-scale hydrogen power station. Additionally, upcoming residential land developments in Adelaide’s northern and southern suburbs will require a significant workforce of construction tradespeople and laborers.
Funded under the South Australian Government’s Skilled Migration Talent and Industry Connection Program, Build Connect is designed to unlock the potential of skilled migrants, address workforce shortages, and drive economic growth in priority sectors.
Nick Champion, a South Australian government representative, emphasized the urgent need for skilled workers to deliver new homes and infrastructure projects. He praised the Build Connect program as a vital step toward addressing workforce gaps and supporting the state’s Housing Roadmap initiatives.
Will Frogley, CEO of Master Builders SA, highlighted the unprecedented opportunities for South Australia’s construction industry. He noted the need for 30,000 new workers, including 15,000 skilled tradespeople, over the next three years. Frogley explained that while programs like Born2Build are attracting local talent, skilled migration is essential to meet demand.
The Build Connect program aims to connect over 200 migrant workers, many already residing in South Australia, with employers seeking skilled tradespeople. The initiative provides these workers with opportunities to thrive in their chosen fields, helping to build a stronger, more capable construction workforce for the state.