Construction of a new trade skills centre has got underway in Darwin, with president of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) Stuart Wilson helping to dig the first part of the foundations this week.
In addition to Mr Wilson, the groundbreaking ceremony was attended by minister for regional Australia, regional development and local government Simon Crean.
Mr Wilson commented: "The Northern Territory is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and has also been identified as one of the jurisdictions with the most acute skills shortage problems in the nation."
He added that as a result, construction of this new centre will provide a welcome boost to trades in the state in the coming years.
It is hoped that 150 skilled tradespeople can be trained at the new facility every year, while also offering upskilling to up to 500 local professionals.
Earlier this month, the HIA highlighted completion of a new housing project in Melbourne, which helped a family that had been tragically left homeless to get back on their feet.
Posted by Craig Francis
