Up to $10,000 in incentives available for qualified, skilled workers to move to WA.
There’s never been a better time to make the move to the sunny shores of Western Australia. Our vibrant construction sector needs qualified skilled workers to support industry demands.
Due to the high demand for skilled workers in construction jobs, the WA Government is offering support to suitably qualified building and construction professionals, to move to WA from other Australian states and territories and New Zealand, through the Build a Life in WA Incentive.
To find out if you are eligible for the Build a Life in WA Incentive, check out the program terms and conditions.
How does the Build a Life in WA Incentive work?
From January 2025, suitably qualified Australian citizens and residents from Australian states and territories outside of WA, as well as New Zealand citizens eligible for a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) on arrival in Australia, are eligible to apply for the $10,000 Build a Life in WA Incentive.
Those moving to WA to take up jobs in an eligible occupation in the building and construction sector will be able to apply to claim the incentive.
- An initial $5,000 payment will be paid when a skilled worker has secured employment with a WA employer.
- A further $5,000 payment is available after completing six months employment in WA’s building and construction industry.
Skilled workers in the following building and construction occupations are eligible to apply for the Build a Life in WA Incentive.
Download a copy of the Build a Life in WA – Eligible Occupation list
ANZSCO Code | ANZSCO Name |
|---|---|
133111 | Construction project manager |
133112 | Project builder |
232111 | Architect |
232112 | Landscape architect |
232212 | Surveyor |
232611 | Urban and regional planner |
233211 | Civil engineer |
233213 | Quantity surveyor |
233214 | Structural engineer |
312111 | Architectural draftsperson |
312112 | Building associate |
312113 | Building inspector |
312114 | Construction estimator |
312115 | Plumbing inspector |
312116 | Surveying or spatial science technician |
312199 | Architectural, building and surveying technicians not elsewhere classified |
312211 | Civil engineering draftsperson |
312212 | Civil engineering technician |
312311 | Electrical Engineering Draftsperson |
312312 | Electrical Engineering Technician |
312911 | Maintenance planner |
312999 | Building and engineering technician |
331111 | Bricklayer |
331112 | Stonemason |
331211 | Carpenter and joiner |
331212 | Carpenter |
331213 | Joiner |
332111 | Floor finisher |
332211 | Painting trades worker |
333111 | Glazier |
333211 | Fibrous plasterer |
333212 | Solid plasterer |
333311 | Roof tiler |
333411 | Wall and floor tiler |
334116 | Plumber (general) |
334115 | Roof plumber |
334112 | Air conditioning and mechanical services plumber |
334113 | Drainer |
334114 | Gasfitter |
341111 | Electrician (general) |
341112 | Electrician (special class) |
341113 | Lift mechanic |
342111 | Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic |
342411 | Cabler (data and telecommunications) |
362213 | Landscape gardener |
394112 | Cabinetmaker |
399912 | Interior decorator |
399918 | Fire protection equipment technician |
511111 | Contract administrator |
712111 | Crane, hoist or lift operator |
721211 | Earthmoving plant operator (general) |
721212 | Backhoe operator |
721214 | Excavator operator |
721216 | Loader operator |
721915 | Road roller operator |
821211 | Concreter |
821712 | Scaffolder |
821713 | Steel fixer |
821912 | Driller's assistant |
Note: holders of Australian permanent residency visas - some occupations listed above may not meet permanent residency visa requirements. Please contact the immigration and citizenship section of the Commonwealth Government’s Department of Home Affairs for more information.
Tradespeople and professionals who operate in regulated occupations moving to Western Australia from other Australian states or territories and New Zealand are supported through mutual recognition.
Mutual recognition is the principle that a person who is registered in one state or territory for an occupation is entitled to a registration in a second state for an equivalent occupation, after they have notified the second states local registration authority.
If you operate in an industry that is regulated in Western Australian, once you have arrived in WA and prior to commencing work, you must lodge a completed notice with the relevant WA registration authority, seeking registration for the equivalent occupation, pay the required fee, and provide evidence of your interstate or New Zealand registration.
Once you have lodged the notice, you are deemed registered and can commence work in your licensed occupation in WA, under the same terms as your interstate or New Zealand authorisation. You are subject to all local laws that apply to your occupation at all times while operating in WA.
For information about the building, painting, surveying, gas, electrical, plumbing, high risk work, land valuation, and building engineering industries, refer to the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s website.
Alternatively, to locate the local registration authority for industries other than those above you can search for your occupation on the Small Business Development Corporation’s Business Licence Finder.
With a significant pipeline of Government-led as well as private sector construction and manufacturing work, there’s no better time for skilled workers to come and find work in WA.
Home to Australia’s sunniest capital city, Perth, with the whitest beaches and breathtaking natural beauty. You can find the perfect job opportunity and experience warm weather even in winter, as well as world-class surf, renowned craft beer, excellent local food and plenty of adventure on your doorstep.
The building and construction industry are seeking skilled workers to join the WA workforce.