Partnership unlocks construction talent to solve the housing crisis

“The Minns Labor Government is determined to strengthen the workforce needed to build more homes across NSW. That's why we’re investing a record $3.46 billion in skills, training and TAFE NSW – backing programs like this to connect skilled people with the opportunities our industries are crying out for while helping deliver the homes and communities our state need.”
 
The program responds to two linked issues: construction skills shortages and the underuse of refugees’ and migrants’ existing skills and experience. 

“Many refugees and migrants arrive in Australia with valuable qualifications, trade skills and work experience, but too often those skills remain underused,” said Dr Alkilani. “This pilot helps bridge that gap by giving participants the local knowledge, confidence, industry exposure and workplace readiness they need to take the next step.”
 
Dr Alkilani said the strength of the model was its cross-sector collaborative approach, which brings together the Master Builders Association NSW, Multiplex, the NSW Department of Education, TAFE NSW and Settlement Services International.
 
When talking about the pilot, Multiplex employee relations manager, Dave Higgon, said the company has been involved in many employment programs over the past two decades, primarily directed towards people with disadvantage seeking work in the industry.
 
“What has been particularly unique about this program has been the many insights we have gained through understanding the distinct barriers this group of candidates face,” said Mr Higgon. “By virtue of the right industry partners, our long-standing relationships with UTS, significant research, and through this program experience, we now know we have the solutions required to support motivated migrant and refugees to pursue a career in the construction industry.”
 
“No single organisation, government or sector can address these barriers alone,” said Dr Alkilani. “By working across sectors, we can create clearer and more practical pathways into education, training and employment.” 

The pilot ran over three months and included screening, training and evaluation.
 
 “We wanted participants to build confidence in a practical way, through training, mock interviews, site visits and exposure to real industry environments,” said Dr Alkilani.
 
“The readiness program is an important first step, but there’s also a need for continued pathways into work placements and employment.” 
Amy Persson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Social Justice and Inclusion) at UTS, said the model had the potential to be scaled, adapted and applied in other sectors where there were skills shortages and untapped talent.
 
“This pilot is a powerful example of how UTS works with government, industry and community partners to address complex social and economic challenges,” Ms Persson said.
 
“By helping refugees and migrants translate their existing skills into local opportunities, the program reflects UTS’s commitment to practical, inclusive solutions with real-world impact.”