Full page east-coast newspaper ads the WA Government has taken out to entice tradies to move to WA
Western Australia (WA) is confronting a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople, which poses a direct threat to the state’s future economic prosperity. While university degrees were once viewed as the primary pathway to financial security, tradespeople are now enjoying remarkable salaries, with skilled bricklayers reportedly earning up to $250,000 annually. The rise in earnings has not translated into an adequate workforce, as the demand for trades has outstripped supply.
Recent data from the Construction Training Fund indicates a concerning decline in WA’s trades workforce, which fell from 167,800 in November 2024 to 147,800 by May 2025. Even using more optimistic figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which estimated 160,200 tradespeople in WA as of August 2025, the numbers indicate a pressing need for skilled workers.
The current shortage has been exacerbated by competitive job offers in sectors such as mining and defence, which often provide inflated salaries. In response, the Cook Government has implemented a $10,000 incentive scheme aimed at attracting skilled tradespeople from other states and countries. Since the program’s launch earlier this year, it has successfully signed its 1,000th worker. Despite this effort, industry representatives argue that more must be done to ensure a steady supply of qualified tradespeople.
The Master Builders Association has voiced concerns over the escalating salaries offered in other sectors, calling for additional incentives for employers to hire and train apprentices. They emphasize the critical role that tradespeople play in constructing housing, infrastructure, and various projects essential for the state’s growth.
WA’s economy relies heavily on a robust trades workforce. Without skilled tradespeople, the state risks facing delays in construction and an inability to meet the housing demands of its residents. The current landscape highlights an urgent need for comprehensive strategies to support the trades sector, ensuring that Western Australia can continue to prosper in the years to come.
