{{ 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 HIA Tradepass Advertise jobs 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 2024 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
17 May
Big impact from a small business: Riverina builder wins big

A Riverina business has earned national recognition at the 2025 HIA–CSR Australian Housing Awards, with winners announced on 17 May in Melbourne before a packed audience of industry leaders and home-building consumers.

17 May
Queensland shines bright with six wins at national housing awards

Queensland builders had an outstanding night at the 2025 HIA–CSR Australian Housing Awards, held on 17 May in Melbourne, taking home six prestigious national titles in front of an audience of industry leaders and home building consumers.

17 May
Queensland home wins HIA's highest national award

The 2025 HIA–CSR Australian Housing Awards were announced on 17 May in Melbourne, where Queensland’s Sarah Waller Building claimed the highest honour, the coveted 2025 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year, in front of an audience of industry leaders and home building consumers.

17 May
Tasmanian builder claims national business honour

A Tasmanian owned and operated business has won at the nation’s top residential building awards, the 2025 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards.