A Liberal and Nationals Government will halve apprentice training costs for small businesses, build 10 new Technical Colleges and cap tolls at $50 a week for tradies.
Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said local tradies needed practical support to run their businesses and train the next generation.
“Across our region, tradies are running businesses, employing locals and taking on apprentices while keeping up with rising costs,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Whether you’re a plumber, electrician or carpenter, you should be able to build a successful business in regional Victoria without being held back by unnecessary costs.”
The plan includes:
- Accelerating Apprenticeships Fund: Covering half of off-the-job training costs for each apprentice.
- 10 new Technical Colleges: Hands-on trade training for 5,000 secondary students in plumbing, electrical, carpentry and more.
- $50 a week toll cap: For two years from 1 July 2027, covering cars, light commercial vehicles and small business fleets of up to five vehicles.
Victoria has the nation’s highest unemployment rate, youth unemployment of 12 per cent, and vocational training commencements down 46 per cent since 2021. The state will need an estimated 716,000 new trade workers by 2035.
“The cost of training and employing someone can be a real barrier for small businesses,” Ms Cleeland said.
“These measures make it easier to give someone their first opportunity and keep good workers coming through. For tradies travelling for jobs, every extra cost adds up.”
The Accelerating Apprenticeships Fund ($115 million) and Technical Colleges ($222 million over eight years) will be funded through more than $24 billion in savings, including a back-office hiring freeze, capping public service executive pay and winding up Breakthrough Victoria.
“On 28 November, voters can choose a government that backs our tradies, supports apprentices and helps regional businesses get ahead.”
