Priority Start Policy

The State Government and the building and construction industry are committed to ensure there is a sustainable local supply of skilled workers through investing in construction apprentices/trainees.

Government Building Training Policy

The Priority Start Policy became operational on 1 April 2019 replacing the previous Government Building Training Policy.

For contracts awarded prior to this date the Government Building Training Policy remains in effect, although head contractors will have the option to transition to the new policy once their 2018–19 obligations have been fulfilled.

Under the Priority Start Policy all head contractors awarded State Government building, construction and maintenance contracts will be required to meet a target training rate across the combined Western Australian construction trades workforce of their company and all subcontractors used for the contract.

The Policy applies to building constructions, civil construction and maintenance contracts, with a total value (inclusive of GST) over $5m. The Policy also applies to individual contracts over $5m awarded under a State Government panel arrangement.

On award of a contract the head contractor must commit to meeting the target training rate and submitting a Priority Start report at the reporting intervals shown in the contract.

For further information or to download a copy of the Priority Start Policy and the head contractor Priority Start report template, please visit the Department of Training and Workforce Development website.

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