Skills Shortages - what is HIA looking for?

HIA recognises that practical reform to the training system is necessary to reverse these shortages and to improve future housing affordability. 

Attracting entrants

Attracting apprentices has been made difficult for several reasons.  School career advisors often point students toward higher education or to other industries. Many young people site apprenticeships as being too long and rigid.  HIA believes the industry must be sold as a career of choice to young Australians.  There is also a need to widen recruitment to include all community sectors and not only competency based but competency progressed training.

Improving retention

The industry has a high drop-out rate of apprentices, which again points to the length and in-flexibility of apprenticeships.   There are several options that would make industry apprenticeships more attractive including, offering a pathway where students progress at their own pace rather than one dictated by industry expectations. 

HIA is also seeking additional funding for programs such as HIA youthBUILD which is having real results in improving retention with apprenticeships and providing young Australians with ‘work ready’ skills.

Additional support

HIA supports a greater range and an increase to the financial incentives being made directly available to employers investing in the training of skilled workers. These financial incentives need to be provided to the employer throughout the period of training to offset the cost of wages which exceed actual levels of productivity.

Classifications for new and intermediate qualifications

HIA is investigating other options including the development and/or recognising industry accredited courses which would provide an intermediate step in converting informal qualifications into qualifications recognised under a new training system. 

Training

HIA has developed a suite of Certificate IV training packages that offer a flexible and fast track program to gain skills and competencies in areas such as building and estimating.