Western Australia’s construction sector just got a major boost. The WA Government’s newly expanded “Build a Life in WA” initiative now includes eligible New Zealanders, offering a $10,000 relocation incentive to qualified tradies who move to the state and take up work in priority roles.
But beyond the headlines, what does this mean for employers? And how can you make the most of it?
The $10K breakdown
Eligible tradespeople across bricklaying, plumbing, electrical and other in-demand trades can now receive:
- $5,000 after six months of continuous employment.
- $5,000 upon starting work in WA, and
Initially only for Australian citizens, this scheme now includes Subclass 444 visa holders which means it’s open to New Zealanders from January 2025.
This is a strong drawcard for workers weighing up interstate or international opportunities and it gives employers a major competitive edge.
Why it’s needed
The state’s construction sector is under pressure from all sides.
- Population growth is surging, with WA welcoming 86,800 people in a single year (2022–2023) the highest net gain in Australia.
- But WA completed just 17,700 new homes last year well short of the 26,000 homes per year target set under the National Housing Accord.
- Meanwhile, building approvals are skyrocketing, with detached house approvals up 49.9% and multi-unit approvals up a massive 179.1% year-on-year (Q3 2024).
Add to that a predicted 55,000 construction worker shortfall by 2026, and it’s clear: employers can’t afford to wait to secure talent.
Why employers should pay attention
This incentive isn’t just a bonus for workers it’s a strategic lever for employers. Here’s how:
1. Attract more candidates
The $10K incentive makes WA one of the most attractive destinations for tradies right now. For employers actively recruiting, this opens up a new talent pipeline especially from New Zealand, where workers are often skilled, mobile, and ready to move quickly.
2. Improve retention
Because the second $5,000 is only paid after six months, it naturally encourages longer tenure helping reduce churn and stabilise your workforce.
3. Link with other support programs
The state is backing this incentive with real investment:
- A $21.6 million expansion of its GTO Wage Subsidy Program, now covering 775 apprentice placements.
- Strong take-up of the Construction Visa Subsidy Program, which offered up to $10,000 per employer to hire skilled migrants with all 1,100 places filled in a year.
4. It’s a timely opportunity
With demand about to outpace supply and delays risking project viability, this scheme gives employers a practical way to get ahead before competitors catch on.
How to take advantage
To stand out in this competitive market:
- Mention the incentive in your job listings especially those targeting Kiwi tradies.
- Work with agencies that specialise in international recruitment, particularly those with a strong presence in New Zealand.
- Act now not only are approvals increasing, but the available workforce is highly mobile. Waiting could mean missing out.
Where we come in
At Working In, we’ve been supporting Australian employers for over 25 years, helping businesses like yours connect with skilled international workers particularly from New Zealand, where the talent pool is strong, work-ready, and increasingly interested in WA’s booming sector.
We:
- Source qualified tradespeople ready to relocate under this incentive,
- Manage the recruitment and visa process in line with Australian regulations,
- Ensure your workforce arrives job-ready and compliant, and
- Offer end-to-end support so you can focus on building, not paperwork.
As the $10K WA incentive gains traction, it’s the perfect time to ramp up recruitment and secure the people you need.
Want to know how we can help you bring in the right people? Let’s Talk
