{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ 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 Communication for 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

Apprenticeships are a key pathway to a career in home building

Media release

Apprenticeships are a key pathway to a career in home building

Media release
“The review of the apprenticeship system announced today is timely,“ said Geordan Murray, HIA Executive Director - Future Workforce and Industry Research.

“The Government’s ambitious goal to build 1.2 million homes over the next five years implies a substantial increase in demand for skilled trades workers, and the pathway to a career in a trade is via an apprenticeship. 

“The housing industry needs more skilled trades workers, and the industry needs a well-functioning apprenticeship system. 

“The benefits of apprenticeships are clear. Those who complete apprenticeship based qualifications show higher rates of employment than nearly every other type of formal qualification.

“Despite this, there are too few people wanting to begin apprenticeships in construction trades. Those who do, too few are sticking with their training through to completion. 

“In addition, there are too few employers willing to take on apprentices and provide the practical workplace based training.

“Delivery of the formal training component of apprenticeships must also be improved. The inability to access the formal training in a way that meets the needs of students and employers is a significant impediment to progression of apprentices. 

“This issue is particularly important to apprentices and employers in regional areas where attending classes may require travelling vast distances including overnight stays. 

“There have been a myriad of schemes and programs over the years aiming to support apprentices through their training, as well as incentivise businesses to create employment opportunities for apprentices. None have enjoyed enduring success. 

“The review announced by Minister O’Connor today provides the Government with an opportunity to transparently evaluate the successes and failures of previous schemes and to optimise the apprenticeship incentive system for the modern economy. 

"HIA is encouraged by the Government’s commitment to elevating the status of vocational education and improving outcomes for apprentices,” concluded Geordan Murray. 

For more information please contact:

Geordan Murray

Executive Director - ACT/Southern NSW

Simon Croft

Chief Executive - Industry & Policy
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
04 Dec
Federal Government confirms funding for Territory apprentices during visit to Darwin

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is pleased to welcome Minister Andrew Giles to the HIA NT Skills Centre in Darwin, providing an opportunity to showcase the Northern Territory’s training pipeline and discuss the continued challenges facing the local residential building industry,” HIA Executive Director Northern Territory, Luis Espinoza, said today.

03 Dec
Housing Australia launches Round 3 funding

The Federal Government, through Housing Australia, has announced a third round of funding, in support of its commitment to the building of 1.2 million homes over the next 5 years.

03 Dec
Christmas Comes Early for Housing: HIA Backs Premier’s Action Agenda

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) today welcomed Premier Rockliff’s announcement of the Tasmanian Government’s next 100-day plan, which commits a suite of housing and planning reforms to fast-track new homes and cut red tape.

02 Dec
Key changes under the QBCC Bill

The Queensland Government recently announced the next phase of the ‘Building Reg Reno’ reforms, including various changes under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.