{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research and analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA Tradepass Advertise jobs Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2024 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

BuildHer future

Start your apprenticeship and join the construction industry

BuildHer future

Start your apprenticeship and join the construction industry

Keen on a career in construction?

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.”

A construction apprenticeship can lead to big things.

A construction apprenticeship can lead to big things.

Meet our apprentices

Caitlin says: turn your passion into your job

Caitlin Boutros - New South Wales

Caitlin Boutros - New South Wales
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

Caitlin's boss, Ben Spannenberg, Spannenberg and Son - New South Wales

Caitlin's boss, Ben Spannenberg, Spannenberg and Son - New South Wales

Caitlin's story

"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.

Sarah says: become a part of a team

Sarah Grant - New South Wales

Sarah Grant - New South Wales
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 boss Don Gee, Don Gee Building - New South Wales

Sarah's boss Don Gee, Don Gee Building - New South Wales

Sarah's story

"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. 

Paige says: get paid to learn

Paige Heron - South Australia

Paige Heron - South Australia
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

Paige's boss Troy Loakes, Climbing Tree Creations - South Australia

Paige's boss Troy Loakes, Climbing Tree Creations - South Australia

Paige's story

"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.

Vasilia says: become your own boss someday

Vasilia Paschalidis - South Australia

Vasilia Paschalidis - South Australia
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

Vasilia's boss Josh Bungey, Luxe Built - South Australia

Vasilia's boss Josh Bungey, Luxe Built - South Australia

Vasilia's story

"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.

Learn from the best in the building industry

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.

{{ propApi.text }}
$vuetify.icons.faArrowRight

Student FAQs

Have you got questions about apprenticeships? Check out our FAQs for all you need to know about becoming an apprentice.

Tell me more $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight

Parents and guardians

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.

Tell me more $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight

Career advisors

An apprenticeship can provide the foundation for life-long employment in the building sector.

Tell me more $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight

Hire an apprentice

The HIA Apprentices program works because it allows apprentice hosts to focus on what matters most to their business.

Tell me more $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight

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.

Supported by