The bulk of training costs for apprentices in areas of growing skills shortages would be covered by the ACT government as part a package promised by Labor the party says would support the construction sector.
Labor said it would increase training subsidies to 90 per cent for a range of trainees, including apprentice plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers and air-conditioning technicians.
First-year apprentices would also have access to an extra $250 payment to cover the cost of tools and equipment, taking the level of government support to $500.
"We expect this new 90 per cent subsidy band to support around 1500 apprentices and trainees in its first year and grow over four year," Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
"These measures will result in thousands of dollars in education expenses being covered to support employers and training organisations taking on apprentices and trainees to build more homes and deliver important services."
Mr Barr said Labor's promise would extend the 90 per cent subsidy to cover 20 qualifications, including commercial cookery and qualifications for new vocational education and training teachers.
The subsidy has already been funded for electricians in the most recent territory budget, which showed the initiative would cost $18.1 million in 2024-25 and $75.6 million over four years.
The Chief Minister said supporting the construction trades would help Labor's promise to add another 30,000 homes to Canberra's housing stock.
"We know how important a good, secure job and we want to make sure that cost isn't a barrier for Canberrans accessing the skills they need, for the job they want," he said.
The ACT faces a significant shortage of trades workers with a steep decline in enrolments.
Plumbing and electrical are two of the hardest-hit ACT trades in loss of enrolments, both down 54 per cent this year from last year, government figures have shown. Carpentry enrolments also fell 48 per cent in the same period.
