Western Australia is extending its 'Build a Life in WA' incentive, offering $10,000 to skilled construction workers from the Eastern States and New Zealand to attract them to the region.

The Cook Government has allocated $12.3 million in the State Budget to support this initiative, which aims to bolster the local construction workforce.

This program is specifically designed to encourage tradies from the east coast of Australia and New Zealand to relocate to WA for employment opportunities in the building industry.

Since its inception, the program has successfully supported 849 skilled workers in the construction sector, significantly benefiting local businesses.

Currently, 361 tradies have already moved to WA through this program, with an additional 658 applications pending approval.

The initiative has contributed to the booming economy and addressed workforce shortages across various sectors by attracting a diverse range of skilled workers, including electricians, carpenters, and bricklayers.

One such success story is New Zealand carpenter Brayden Laing, who moved to Perth in February and utilized the incentive to purchase work tools and establish a home with his partner.

Minister for Skills and TAFE Amber-Jade Sanderson emphasized the government's dual approach of investing in local training while also attracting job-ready tradies to meet immediate workforce demands.

Sanderson noted that 70% of applicants have come from New Zealand, although the UK and Ireland are also targeted markets for skilled labor.

In addition to the incentive program, the government is extending its Construction Visa Subsidy Program, which offers $10,000 to businesses for hiring overseas skilled migrants, aiming to bring in 1,100 new workers.

Housing and Works Minister John Carey stated that the government is exploring various avenues to increase housing supply, including free TAFE courses and attracting skilled labor.

Overall, the State Budget allocates $12.3 million to support these initiatives as part of a broader $37.5 million investment aimed at expanding WA's construction workforce.