{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan 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 Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
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 2025 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

HIA welcomes National Skills Week focus on Trades

Media release

HIA welcomes National Skills Week focus on Trades

Media release
“Too often undertaking a trade is perceived as being a second-choice career for students who don’t receive a place into university or an ATAR. This perception subscribed to by parents, schools and students, needs to change,” says Jocelyn Martin, HIA Deputy Managing Director - Industry and Policy.

“A trade is not only a viable and meaningful career choice, it provides a launch pad to owning and running your own business with high career earning potential and the opportunity to work on a wide variety of different projects. 

“Apprentices earn while they learn and develop relevant and life-long skills. In addition to developing a trade business, the career paths beyond a construction apprenticeship are broad and can lead, for example, into design, project management and building certification.

“The benefits of an apprenticeship were reinforced in the April 2023 report by the Ai Group Centre for Education and Training which found embarking on an apprenticeship led to higher job satisfaction, earnings and employment outcomes. 

“HIA therefore welcomes, the focus of this year’s National Skills Week, held from 21-27 August, to raise the status of practical and vocational learning, and to dispel some of the outdated myths often associated with doing a trade, apprenticeship and vocational training.

“National Skills week provides a great opportunity to celebrate apprentices, trainees, students and the skills sector with the important work they do in building and maintaining our homes.

“In launching National Skills Week, Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor noted that the current labour market is suffering significant skill shortages which has doubled in the last few years. Building trades in particular are facing significant skills shortages.

“To successfully deliver on the Government’s recent commitment to build 1.2 million homes over the next 5 years, we need more onsite apprentices, tradies and workers coming into our industry.

“This will require a coordinated effort across all levels of Government, close engagement between the education sector and industry and innovation around the delivery of training and student support. 

“Promoting greater understanding of the opportunities of undertaking a trade as a career and its potential, and how it can contribute to a successful and modern economy is an important first step in addressing the skills shortages,“ concluded Ms Martin.

For more information visit National Skills Week 2023

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
19 Jun
Population data highlights contradiction in government policy

“Australia’s population reached 27.4 million by the end of 2024, up by 445,900 people, or 1.7 per cent for the year,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt.

19 Jun
Tasmanian Election - Stadium or no stadium we still need housing

The Tasmanian election that no-one wanted to have is in full swing, and while the limited campaign period is unlikely to provide the usual platform to promote key policies and reforms, HIA is calling on both major parties to prioritise housing policies given the significant challenges across the state.

19 Jun
‘Getting Keys in Doors’ shouldn’t be this difficult

“Our dated and complex planning system is littered with speed bumps that could easily be removed”, said Brad Armitage, HIA NSW Executive Director.

18 Jun
New home building contract laws welcomed by HIA

“The Victorian government’s proposal to update home building contract laws to make them fit for use in the 21st century is welcomed by HIA,” stated HIA Executive Director, Keith Ryan.