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$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Skills boost needed to meet housing targets in ACT

Media release

Skills boost needed to meet housing targets in ACT

Media release
The Housing Industry Association is using 2024 National Skills Week to call on a future ACT Government to increase support for training and workforce participation in construction.

“With an aging workforce and a current skills shortage in residential construction, if the Territory is to meet its targets for housing supply over the next decade there needs to be an immediate injection of resources into skills and training,” said Greg Weller, HIA Executive Director ACT & Southern NSW.

“If the ACT is to meet the target of 30,000 homes by 2030 then we will need the skilled trades to support this activity.

“Forecast large public infrastructure projects in the ACT such as light rail 2B and electrification of the ACT economy, along with potentially a new stadium and convention centre, will all compete for skilled trades with home building.

“There needs to be investment by government in the promotion of home building as a viable career and business pathway for young Canberrans. We need to change Canberra’s narrative around vocational training being in second place behind the tertiary sector. 

“Less pressure needs to be placed on young people to attend university as a first choice following secondary school and greater acknowledgement of the real and rewarding careers that exist through vocational education and apprenticeships.

“The residential building industry presents diverse and lucrative work opportunities, especially for those who succeed in obtaining key skills, qualifications in the wide range of careers available.

“The ACT should also actively incentivise young people to relocate to the ACT to continue or commence formal training in the construction sector. We regularly see other jurisdictions compete and offer incentives to in-demand jobs, so we should do the same.

“We are also calling for more incentives for employers to take on apprentices, particularly mature aged students,” concluded Mr Weller.

For more information please contact:

Greg Weller

Executive Director - ACT/Southern NSW
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