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Australia needs more builders, landscapers, carpenters, and other qualified trades – especially women – to join the residential building industry.
You can start out as an apprentice, dream big and work your way to becoming qualified. Once you’re established, your career opportunities are huge. One day, you’ll be calling the shots and think to yourself “I built that.”
I loved woodwork, so I thought: why not do what I enjoy? Once I started, I knew this was what I wanted to do.Caitlin Boutros, apprentice
"We've always found Caitlin to be enthusiastic, keen to learn and hardworking," says her boss, Ben Spannenberg of Spannenberg and Son.
A high school aptitude for woodwork has turned into a career that works for Caitlin. She loves the early starts and having the rest of the day to herself. Once she's more established, she is keen to use her carpentry skills for charity work in Tanzania where she'd love to help build houses for the locals.
You have a lot of banter with the people you work with. Those relationships that you build are really strong because you're all working together on something that's hard.Sarah Grant, apprentice
"Sarah's worked a good partnership with the foreman here, they do everything together," says Sarah's boss, Don Gee of Don Gee Building.
After eight years in office work, Sarah's decision to pursue an apprenticeship has meant a new level of connection and community in her job. It has also meant deeper satisfaction as she sees her part of a bigger picture come together onsite every day.
I love the fact that I can get paid for my learning, especially doing something I love. It is so cool to say I made this, I did this, today ... it's such an accomplishment.Paige Heron, apprentice
"We let everyone have a go - we're very inclusive here and I think that's the best and only way to work now, and in the future," says Paige's boss, Troy Loakes of Climbing Tree Creations. "Paige is very lively and works really hard ... she's picking up a lot of skills."
Meeting some high-energy tradies when she was an unhappy receptionist was the catalyst for exploring her new career. As a contract soccer player with a hectic training schedule, Paige's apprenticeship means she has the work/life balance to kick goals on and off the job.
My plan is to get my Certificate 4 and then apply for my builder's license, I can definitely see myself having my own business one day.Vasilia Paschalidis, apprentice
"The industry's lacking the next generation of workers. There's money to be made and a good lifestyle so I would highly encourage women, and kids in general, to get into the trade," says Vasilia's boss, John Bungey of Luxe Built.
Vasilia left nursing and found her calling as a carpenter. "I love being outside and the physical work. I definitely couldn't see myself sitting in an office," says Vasilia.
Our apprentice program guarantees you will learn every facet of the industry that you need to know from the most experienced and skilled HIA members. You will have on-the-job training and mentoring with a mix of training courses to make sure you become a fully qualified tradesperson. You can then decide if you want to continue working for someone else or you want to become your own boss.
Have you got questions about apprenticeships? Check out our FAQs for all you need to know about becoming an apprentice.
As a parent or guardian, you'll want your child to have the best possible future. Here are some tips about how to help them transition from school life.
An apprenticeship can provide the foundation for life-long employment in the building sector.
The HIA Apprentices program works because it allows apprentice hosts to focus on what matters most to their business.
HIA has been a strong advocate for women in the construction industry for many years. One of our key initiatives is the Building Women Project, which aims to support and empower women in all areas of the building industry. This includes mentoring opportunities, networking events, recognition through awards and more.
HIA has partnered with the New South Wales Government and the South Australia Government for the BuildHer future program, aimed at promoting the benefits of joining Australia's building and construction industry to encourage female participation.