{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Economic research & forecasting Economics Housing outlook Tailored market research Economic reports & data Inspiring Australia's building professionals Business & digital Products & innovation Projects HOUSING Online The only place to get your industry news Media releases Member alerts Submissions See all
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance Construction legal expenses insurance Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services How can safety solutions help you? Independent site inspections Solutions for your business Contracts Online HIA Tradepass HIA SafeScan Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Professional services Industrial relations Member savings Toyota vehicles Fuel savings Handy pay See all
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 Falls from heights Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects COVID-19 Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) 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? Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Mates rates What we do Mental health program Charitable Foundation GreenSmart
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 2023 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA products
HIA products $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Shop @ HIA Digital Australian Standards Contracts Online Shipping & delivery Purchasing T&Cs See all Products Purchase NCC 2022 Building codes & standards Economic reports Hard copy contracts Guides & manuals
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

Building trades shortage worsens

Media release

Building trades shortage worsens

Media release
“The HIA Trades Availability Index deteriorated further in the September 2021 quarter indicating that the industry is experiencing the most significant skills shortage since the inception of the Report in 2003,” stated HIA Economist, Angela Lillicrap.

The HIA Trades Report released today provides a quarterly review of the availability of skilled trades and any demand pressures on trades operating in the residential building industry. The HIA Trades Index declined from -0.53 to -0.69 in the September quarter, with any number below zero indicating a skills shortage.

“Skilled trades continued to be in high demand as a record volume of detached home building and renovations is occurring,” added Ms Lillicrap.

“All regions across Australia are reporting an acute shortage of skilled trades and all trades are in short supply.

“Regional Queensland, Regional South Australia and Perth recorded improvements in the availability of skilled trades compared to the previous quarter. These small improvements reflect quarterly volatility, not a material improvement in the supply of trades.

“All trades recorded a deterioration in availability during the September quarter. Bricklaying continues to have the most acute shortage with an index reading of -1.30.

“Finishing trades such as painting, plumbing and plastering recorded some of the stronger quarterly declines in availability. This reflects the large volume of projects initiated by HomeBuilder starting to reach completion.

“It is an excellent time to pursue an apprenticeship in residential building trades as the boom in home building is expected to continue throughout 2022 and into 2023,” concluded Ms Lillicrap.

For more information please contact:

Angela Lillicrap

Economist

Tim Reardon

Chief Economist
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
29 Nov
Developer licensing legislation introduced

The introduction of legislation today to create a developer licensing scheme in the ACT attempts to hold developers accountable for the work they do, however, there are several important details to be resolved.

29 Nov
Retention limits for trade contracts

It is not uncommon for Queensland commercial contracts to include retentions.

29 Nov
Protecting consumers from unfair trading practices

In August, the Treasury released a Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (CRIS) examining options to protect consumers from unfair trading practices. HIA takes this opportunity to respond to the CRIS.

28 Nov
HIA welcomes plans to fast track low and mid-rise housing

”The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the plans announced today by the NSW Government to fast track low and mid-rise housing,” said David Bare, HIA Executive Director NSW.

HIA-COLORBOND® steel Housing 100

Review the latest activities, market share and statistics of Australia’s largest homebuilders and residential developers.

Trades Report

Understand the availability of skilled trades and the costs associated on both a national and state level.

HIA Kitchens and Bathrooms Report

Understand the current and future forecasts for the kitchen and bathroom industries.

New Home Sales Report

Understand the current new home sales and construction activity each month.

Housing Australia's future

Understand the future of housing in Australia with this comprehensive report on population and growth.

HIA Stamp Duty Watch

Understand the latest developments in stamp duty on home purchases.