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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Earn while you learn or years of HECS debt?

Media release

Earn while you learn or years of HECS debt?

Media release
“In the midst of the cost of living crisis, young Australians need to realise that completing a trade in under four years, coming out debt free and with the potential to earn very well, is a first choice career in Australia right now,” said Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director.

“Australia is experiencing a housing crisis and most people under 40 believe they will never own their own home with Australia’s home ownership rate at its lowest ever levels.”

“Right now, we need an additional 90,000 construction workers to address the skills shortages being experienced if we are to build the 240,000 new homes this year (1.2 million homes over next five years) that Australia desperately needs.”

“Disappointingly, for three decades in Australia, the school system has pushed uni, uni, uni, and encouraged only those they regarded as less academically gifted into trades.

"If you want to earn a good wage, run your own business or get on the property ladder in your twenties or early thirties – your best choice is embarking on a trade.

"There are at least six key benefits of undertaking a trade:

  1. No HECS debt following an apprenticeship – university HECS debts can exceed well over $100,000.
  2. Never a day out of work – qualified trades are in high demand and will continue to be.
  3. The ability to be your own boss, determine where you work and the projects you take on.
  4. A trade opens doors to a wide variety of future careers.
  5. Working outdoors away from the confines of a desk.
  6. Developing life-long skills that can apply when building and renovating at home.

“Governments, schools, the media and industry need to start talking up, not down, a trade qualification as a leading career and lifestyle option with financial and business opportunities,” concluded Ms. Martin.

 

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
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