{{ 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

Funding to fast-track trades qualification can help get more homes built quicker

Media release

Funding to fast-track trades qualification can help get more homes built quicker

Media release
“Today’s announcement from the Labor Government of $78 million in funding to fast track the qualification of up 6,000 tradies is an important initiative which will help get more homes built quicker,” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.

“There are many highly talented experienced workers in our industry that have learnt their craft on site, but may not have undertaken or completed their formal training. Obtaining the due recognition for their experience without having to complete a full qualification is considered a major barrier. 

“This has been particularly problematic for mature aged workers or those seeking to make a career change, and their extensive and often comparable knowledge and working experience has not been recognised adequately or dismissed outright. 

“It is important that we consider initiatives like this that not only attract new workers to construction, but help retain the workforce we have.

“The Advanced Entry Trades Training program announced today can help bridge that skills gap and support those experienced workers get the qualifications and recognition they deserve for their work and fast track them into obtaining their respective qualifications.

“The program will help assess a participants’ existing skills via a recognition of prior learning process and then fill in any gaps with individualised training, with that training component being delivered free of charge. 

“This initiative would be based off the current NSW Government Trade Pathways for Experienced Workers program that has helped over 1,200 students gain their trade qualification.

“HIA welcomes recognition that a single policy solution will not address our chronic skills shortages in the industry, instead we need a raft of solutions to solve the skills conundrum and get all hands on deck to build the homes Australia desperately needs,” concluded Ms Martin.

For more information please contact:

Jocelyn Martin

Managing Director

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
12 Jun
Researchers give pre-apprenticeship training the nod

“Of the estimated 34,000 apprentices who will commence a construction trade apprenticeship this year, we expect fewer than 20,000 will make it through to complete their qualification. This must improve,” stated Geordan Murray, Executive Director - Future Workforce.

12 Jun
Stamp duty tax cuts extended what you need to know

The Victorian Government has extended its stamp duty concession for off-the-plan properties, providing continued financial relief for homebuyers. This initiative aims to support the housing market and make home ownership more accessible.

11 Jun
National Policy Competition Analysis

HIA provided a submission to the National Policy Competition analysis 2025.

11 Jun
Prioritising Mental Health in WA residential building industry

As West Australia’s residential building industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s important we take a step back and look at something we often overlook - our mental health.