{{ 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
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) Solutions for your business Contracts Online Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Industrial relations
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

National Skills Agreement critical to grow the construction workforce

Media release

National Skills Agreement critical to grow the construction workforce

Media release
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the National Cabinet’s announcement of the National Skills Agreement. The Agreement promises to invest $12.6 billion to expand and transform the VET sector to deliver quality training and reforms which address our critical skills needs,” said Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director.

“Earlier this year National Cabinet committed to building 1.2 million homes over the next 5 years. To build these much needed homes, it is critical that we have the key skills and workforce in place to enable us to achieve this target.

“This investment is a key plank in addressing the skills shortages, strengthening our VET sector and training and upskilling workers into national priority areas including construction.

“Part of this agreement includes the establishment of nationally networked Centres of Excellence involving partnerships between TAFEs, universities, Jobs and Skills Councils and industry,” added Ms Martin.

Whilst broadly supportive of these targeted ‘Centres of Excellence’ which can focus on key skills gaps, HIA stresses the importance of the Australian Government broadening the focus beyond TAFE’s to also recognise the key role played by industry specific training organisations. 

These organisations deliver training developed by industry for industry and also have the capacity to deliver targeted skills in regional areas.

Included in the $12.6 billion funding is $100 million to support, grow and retain a quality VET workforce, $250 million to improve VET completions including women and others who face completion challenges and $142 million to improve foundation skills training capacity, quality and accessibility.

“The National Skills Agreement promises to deliver much needed changes to the VET system and the opportunity to target skills and reforms which will make a difference to our industry and our capacity to deliver on the Government’s plan to build 1.2 million homes,” concluded Ms Martin.

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Geordan Murray

Executive Director – Future Workforce
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
26 Jul
A plan for land is a plan for housing

“Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth are seeing residential land values grow at a rapid rate, while Sydney and Melbourne’s values remain relatively stable,” stated HIA Senior Economist Matt King.

26 Jul
New plumbing and drainage inspection procedures in Huntlee and-North Rothbury area

Plumbing and drainage inspections in the Huntlee and North Rothbury areas are moving from Cessnock City Council to Building Commission NSW.

25 Jul
BASIX transition period ending soon

The BASIX Transition period for eligible signed building contracts will end on 30 September 2024. BASIX Certificates must be generated by this date to apply the pre-1 October 2023 BASIX standards.

23 Jul
Lingering worker shortages see trade rates continue to rise

“As the number of new homes under construction continues to decline builders are reporting fewer difficulties scheduling skilled trades workers on their jobs, although availability of skilled workers remains worse than prior to the pandemic,” stated Geordan Murray, HIA Executive Director – Future Workforce.