Builders claim green win on jobs package

Victoria’s peak building industry body, the Master Builders Association, says the state government’s Jobs for the Future Economy package will help boost building workforce productivity and reduce housing costs for future Victorian homebuyers.

Executive Director of Master Builders Brian Welch said the $5 million Building a Green Future fund invests in the future productivity of Victoria’s building workforce and is exactly what the industry has been calling for.

“Master Builders' 2010-11 State Pre-Budget Submission urged the government to invest in upskilling Victoria’s building workforce to meet the sustainability challenges of the future,” said Welch.

“Today’s announcement is a great win for the building industry as thousands of builders and tradies will now be able to improve their sustainability credentials through subsidised green skill training courses.

“Master Builders also welcomes the government’s decision to delay the introduction of 6 Star residential energy efficiency regulations until 1 May 2011.

“Master Builders had been urging the government to avoid rushing the introduction of 6 Star regulations due to its high compliance costs and design complexity.

“The combination of subsidised sustainability training and the revised May 2011 start date will help ensure the building industry is better prepared to affordably comply with the incoming regulations.

Master Builders currently operates a Green Living Builder program which trains residential and commercial builders in sustainable building and design. The three courses are linked to units of competency and are formally recognised industry qualifications. The courses are:

• A two-day course for residential builders;
• Commercial Builder Course in Sustainable Construction; and,
• A 10-day course, Cert 4 Building & Construction - Environmental Management

“Today’s announcement of support funding will enable thousands of builders and tradies to access these courses at discount rates. Today’s announcement is a great win for builders and the environment,” Welch said.