Recent fee increases for training providers will further hamper productivity in the building and construction industry, says Master Builders Australia.
Fee increases for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) announced by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) will triple many fees levelled on small training providers.
Master Builders Chief Executive Officer, Wilhelm Harnisch said the impact will threaten the viability of hundreds of small and medium businesses Australia wide and will be especially felt in the building and construction industry, which is serviced by many small and medium RTOs particularly in regional areas.
“The building industry already faces an uphill training enough apprentices to meet future demand and ASQA’s new fees could not have come at a worse time when apprentice numbers have fallen by 32%,” Mr Harnisch said.
“Also alarming is that many of the small RTOs whose viability will be threatened by the fee hike provide essential safety and high risk licensing training. The industry cannot afford to lose this vital knowledge and capacity,” he added.
Mr Harnisch concluded by saying he believes these fee increases are a further blow to the building industry, small businesses throughout Australia and young Australian’s seeking a rewarding career in the building industry.
