Boost your WA construction workforce with government-backed incentives

Western Australia’s construction industry is gaining serious momentum, and employers are the biggest winners. With housing demand soaring and infrastructure projects accelerating, the State is tackling its workforce shortages head-on through two targeted programs: the Build a Life in WA (BALWA) incentive and the Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP).

Together, these initiatives have already attracted more than 2,000 skilled and job-ready builders to Western Australia, helping businesses overcome labour gaps and keep projects on time and on budget. Backed by a $12.3 million investment in the 2025–26 State Budget, the Cook Labour Government’s commitment ensures employers can continue accessing qualified local and international talent — reducing recruitment pressure, stabilising operations and building long-term workforce strength in one of Australia’s fastest-growing sectors.

What is the Build a Life in WA incentive?

The Build a Life in WA (BALWA) incentive helps construction employers attract skilled workers from interstate and New Zealand. Launched on 1 January 2025, it offers up to $10,000 in relocation support, paid in two instalments, to workers who move to Western Australia and start in the building and construction industry.

So far, 1,024 workers have joined 648 construction businesses, with many employers hiring multiple participants. The program is boosting access to high-demand trades such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, bricklaying and project management, strengthening workforce capacity across the State.

How can the Construction Visa Subsidy Program strengthen your workforce?

The Construction Visa Subsidy Program (CVSP) supports Western Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when local recruitment isn’t enough. Since 1 July 2023, the program has provided over $12.6 million in funding to 394 construction businesses, helping 1,058 skilled migrants start work across the State.

Employers can claim up to $10,000 per worker to cover visa application costs, migration agent fees and relocation expenses. The program gives businesses affordable access to global talent in specialised areas such as civil engineering, surveying, cabinetmaking, glazing and landscaping, ensuring projects stay on track and workforce needs are met efficiently.

Now is the time for construction employers to act

The combined impact of the BALWA and CVSP programs gives employers immediate access to skilled professionals while easing the financial pressure of recruitment and sponsorship. By acting now, businesses can:

• Fill vacancies faster with qualified workers ready to start
• Offset major migration and relocation costs through government funding
• Maintain project timelines and improve workforce stability
• Plan long-term staffing strategies with confidence

These programs offer practical, results-driven solutions to workforce shortages and help employers stay competitive in Western Australia’s fast-growing construction market.

Building a stronger construction future for Western Australia

With more than 2,000 skilled builders and tradespeople already working across Western Australia, the BALWA and CVSP programs are delivering immediate benefits to employers and the wider industry. Beyond addressing today’s labour gaps, these initiatives are helping businesses develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers to meet future housing and infrastructure demands.

For construction businesses, this is the time to plan ahead. Leveraging both programs now means accessing a stronger talent pool, reducing recruitment costs and positioning your business for growth in a competitive market.

Partner with Absolute Immigration to build your workforce

At Absolute Immigration, we partner with construction and infrastructure employers to navigate the Build a Life and Construction Visa Subsidy programs effectively. Our team provides expert guidance on:

• Selecting the right visa and subsidy options
• Managing employer sponsorship and compliance
• Preparing and lodging high-quality visa applications
• Aligning workforce growth with operational goals

Work with Absolute Immigration to strengthen your construction workforce, manage compliance and secure skilled talent efficiently.

Contact our experts at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com to design a migration strategy that supports your business and builds a future-ready workforce.