Source : Perth Now news
Migration policies delivered by the major parties are being described as a missed opportunity to bring construction apprentices to Australia to help boost desperately needed housing supply.
The government, coalition and One Nation have in recent weeks announced much-touted plans to slash migrant intake across the country as it becomes a hot political issue.
The parties each have different policies about the role of international students and tradespeople in the economy.
Labor’s plan includes a redesign of the skilled migration points test so housing construction trade qualifications carry the same point value as a university degree.
But one thing all the plans share is that student visas settings do not allow for apprenticeships to be undertaken.
That was short-sighted in a housing crisis, where young migrant trainees could bolster supply, Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn said.
Domestic drop-out rates for construction apprenticeships are at 50 per cent and Ms Wawn said the dwindling number of tradies could in part be fixed by allowing enthusiastic apprentices into the country.
“If we are going to continue on with international students into Australia, particularly where we can provide them with opportunities to stay in the country, we should be linking that to greater incentives in the areas where skills really matter,” she said.
There would be strong take-up from business owners if the visa settings were to change, but a lot of work would be needed to get there, Housing Institute Australia’s ACT director Geordan Murray said.
International students are only allowed to work up to 48 hours a fortnight during their study periods, which is not enough to complete an apprenticeship.
Trade qualifications are heavily subsidised for Australian students.
But that’s not the case for those from overseas who complete them once on more permanent visas, so it is unlikely it would be the case on a student visa.
“It would cost considerably more for them to do a trade than for a local student – not dissimilar to what happens at universities – but the price point could be comparable to a university degree,” Mr Murray told AAP.
“That then raises a question about where they want to spend their money, when considering a trade verse a university degree.”
He said it was a crucial area to evolve in the Australian visa system, and one that was welcomed by the industry.
