Industry News

Construction Training Fund (CTF) has partnered with the Clontarf Foundation to support more young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to finish school and providing a clear pathway into jobs and apprenticeships in Western Australia’s construction industry. Clontarf’s strength is its day-to-day presence in schools. Staff are there every day, on the oval and in class, building trust and keeping boys engaged. That routine and reliability are exactly what construction work demands – teamwork, discipline and hands-on mentoring. A Natural […]

Construction Training Fund (CTF) is proud to be an official sponsor of The Big Dig 2025 – an incredible fundraising challenge that unites the construction industry, as teams work together to dig a one-metre-deep trench by hand over a 24-hour period to raise money for youth mental health charity, zero2hero. About The Big Dig Now in its ninth year, The Big Dig has become one of WA’s most creative charity events. Inspired by founder Goran Utjesinovic’s background working in construction, the event unites […]

After spending almost 15 years working in administration for her family’s wall and ceiling liner business, Kiriana Barclay wanted to challenge herself by learning a hands-on trade.  Now three years in, she’s almost completed her apprenticeship, and loves what she does.  Getting into construction  It was actually a request from her husband that encouraged Kiriana to get out from behind a desk and onto the tools.  “Our business was swamped with work, and I was surprised when my husband asked […]

Construction Training Fund (CTF) is pleased to announce that we have been recognised for our commitment to creating and advocating for inclusion and equality in the workplace at the national 2025 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Awards, held in Brisbane.  CTF is leading the charge for change and increased diversity  The ‘Diversity in Development’ Award recognises our continued efforts to enhance the representation of women, First Nations people and people from diverse backgrounds in the construction industry, and the […]

Beginning his career in IT overseas, New Zealander Joseph Fuikefu was inspired to enter the construction industry through regular chats with family members working in FIFO roles. Their stories sparked his interest, encouraging him to make the move to Perth in 2011, where he began his career in construction as a technical assistant in the mining sector.  Getting into construction  From beginning as a technical assistant in civil engineering, Joseph has embraced every opportunity for growth, moving seamlessly from one […]

Concreter Hayden Mosby talks us through his experiences as a concreter, what he’s learned about leadership from his trade and how growing up as a Torres Strait Islander shaped his desire to work in construction. Childhood dreams of the construction industry “I’m from a tiny island up in the Torres Strait, and there are limited, very limited opportunities,” says Hayden. “The tankers that take off from here [Western Australia], the LNG [liquid natural gas] ones used to sail straight past my […]

The journey from apprentice to qualified air con mechanic can be winding, although there is a lot of support on the way. Xtracool Air Conditioning owner and air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic Michael Stephenson and his apprentice, Zayde Free, share their experiences in the industry. The importance of apprentices “You couldn’t run a small business without an apprentice,” says boss Michael (Micko) Stephenson. “You find a good one and they’re worth their weight in gold.” Apprentices play a vital role […]

Are you curious about a career in Western Australia’s building and construction industry? If you’re a high school student or parent exploring construction career options for your child, the Construction Futures Centre Open Day is the perfect place to get hands-on experience and discover what the industry has to offer.

35-year-old builder Matt Vickers always knew construction was the career for him, but he had to try out a few trades before he found the right fit. Now, with 13 years of experience under his (tool) belt, he tells us why building is the job for him. Life in the fast lane as an automotive technician “The first trade I got into was mechanics, and I qualified as an automotive technician,” says Matt. ‘I’ve always been practically skilled, so a […]