Media Release 28 November 2022

Landmark skills agreement a positive step for WA Industry 

The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA (MPGAWA) have welcomed the joint announcement from the Albanese and McGowan Governments of a 12-month Skills Agreement.

The agreement will work to address the current skills shortage while at the same time delivering Fee Free TAFE and more vocational education places for Western Australians.

More than 18,000 Fee Free TAFE and vocational education places will be available in 2023.

MPGAWA CEO Murray Thomas said this is a positive step and both governments should be applauded for a proactive measure to support the Western Australian economy.

“A recent survey conducted by MPGAWA highlighted that there is clear demand for greater access to licensed plumbers and gasfitters in WA,” Mr Thomas said.

“In fact, more than half of members surveyed said they are looking to hire additional licensed tradesperson plumbers while 65% of respondents said they had difficulty accessing licensed tradesperson plumbers over the past 12 months

“Of major concern is that 60% of respondents said they regularly turn down work because they don’t have a licensed tradesperson plumber available.

“Members want to access the skills they need to do the work they have and build for future growth, and for too long there’s been a mismatch between the skills required by industry and some of the qualifications being offered.

“No one is suggesting there is a magic formula in solving the skills crisis gap, however governments working together to identify Fee Free training opportunities based on shortages identified on the skills priority list and driven by student demand is a positive outcome for all Western Australians, ” Mr Thomas said.