Union Training & Safety Drives Our World's Best Industry

The standard of training provided by the CFMEU Education and Training Unit and the safety standards and compliance demanded by our officials makes the Australian construction industry one of the highest performing in the world.

We know it, our students and members know it, and now it has been confirmed by the McKinsey Global Institute in an independent report that found Australia’s construction industry is among the world’s best and we are just a handful of developed countries where labour productivity is increasing. Moreover, the report commented that the Australian construction industry has low levels of corruption.

The CFMEU supported key findings of the report noting:

“Unionised frontline workers are paid well and receive skills training, attracting better talent than in other countries. “Because unions insist on high safety standards, Australian construction projects are meticulously planned to avoid labour issues. The industry also has strong middle management.

“Potentially bearing down on high productivity is the fact that companies sometimes employ lower-skilled subcontractors at lower wages, only to hire higher-skilled, higherpaid subcontractors for rework,” the report said. This is high praise for our industry.

And the CFMEU Education and Training Unit and union safety officials have good reason to be proud. It’s critical to our industry and the lives of members that our high standards of safety, skills and training are maintained. We’ve always put the safety of members first and focused on the highest quality training. Now we know that’s what makes our industry world beating when it comes to productivity.

Our job isn’t done. With apprentice numbers dropping across the country, our position as one of the world’s best is under threat. As well as fighting to increase apprenticeship opportunities, we have begun a campaign to license our trades. Such a move will protect jobs, ensure our industry remains highly skilled and maintain standards. It will see us beating the world for years to come.

Contact the CFMEU Education and Training Unit or our Safety Unit for more information: 03 9341 3444 Training course information is on our website: vic.cfmeu.org.au/training