{{ 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 Apprentices visit Hunter social housing site

Media release

HIA Apprentices visit Hunter social housing site

Media release
A bus load of 13 HIA Apprentices completed a site visit last Friday at a social and affordable housing project at Wallsend.

“The Homes NSW project, which will see the construction of a residential flat building containing nine dwellings, is being built by HIA members Graph Building,” said Craig Jennion, HIA Hunter Executive Director.

“The soon to be completed project provided an opportunity to show the apprentices an affordable and accessible housing project and the chance to meet Rebecca Pinkstone CEO, Homes NSW and members of her development team.

All 13 apprentices are members of an important industry-focused apprentice and trainee program that HIA has partnered with Housing NSW to provide. 

“Launched in April 2021, the intent is to help young people get into a career in the residential building industry with the holistic support of HIA as the Group Training Organisation. 

“HIA has long recognised that for school leavers and young workers, beginning a career path is challenging. Pleasingly the initiative has already seen 80 apprentices and trainees complete their formal training, with more to complete in the coming 12 months.

“Whilst significant, this 80 is just a drop in the bucket of what we need to address the industries chronic skills shortages. To deliver the Australian Government’s commitment of 1.2 million homes over five years, HIA estimates we need 83,000 additional skilled workers in the residential construction industry. 

“HIA’s 2025 federal election campaign titled Let’s Build goes to the heart of this issue. 

“It advocates for increased financial support for employers and apprentices, greater promotion of trades as a career, enhanced mentoring programs and reforms to the skilled migration system to address the decades long workforce issues,” concluded Mr Jennion.

For more information please contact:

Craig Jennion

Executive Director - Hunter

P: (02) 4014 2000
M: 0414 872 090
E: c.jennion@hia.com.au

For social media commentary from Craig Jennion: HIA Hunter Twitter

Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
08 Jul
RBA misses opportunity

“The RBA decision to keep interest rates in restrictive territory today will not stop the improvement in leading indicators of future home building,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.

03 Jul
Housing and Productivity Contribution Scheme Works-in-Kind Guideline

In mid-June 2025, the NSW Premier released the Housing and Productivity Contribution (HPC) Works-in-Kind Guideline for public consultation.

02 Jul
Government announces broader licensing powers and HBCA review

Today the State Government announced proposed changes to the regulatory powers to investigate registered builders who may be unable to meet the financial requirements of registration. The announcement also included a long-awaited review of the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 (HBCA) and associated laws.

02 Jul
HIA welcomes changes providing confidence for home building

Housing Industry Association welcomes today’s announcement by the Cook Labor Government to review key aspects of the home building contracts legislation and provide the building regulator with additional powers to work with builders in distress.