{{ 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
Support & guidance Ask an expert Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services Australian Standards 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 For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions HIA SafeScan Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Value for money
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards 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
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Grow with us Sign me up Become a member Member benefits Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women Charitable Foundation GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Meet our members Partner with us
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 2026 Australian Home of the Year 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

Australia’s 83,300 tradies shortfall on International Tradespeople Day

Media release

Australia’s 83,300 tradies shortfall on International Tradespeople Day

Media release
“Trade shortages loom as a major threat to reaching the Housing Accord target of building 1.2million homes by 2029,” said HIA Executive Director - Future Workforce, Mike Hermon.

“As we recognise the essential role of skilled trades in the residential construction sector on this International Tradesperson Day, the most critical questions to ask is whether the industry has the workforce capacity to deliver the number of homes required to get Australia out of our housing crisis? Unfortunately, we do not.

“We want to promote the great career opportunity that a skilled trade provides. The chance to start your own business, satisfaction of providing housing to the community, and as a stable career path trades are less exposed to technological changes such as AI.

“Due to several factors, including an aging workforce and competition for trades from other sectors - such as infrastructure and renewables projects – the next generation of trades has not kept pace.

“It is estimated that there are around 277,800 skilled trades workers in the residential building industry, which highlights the extent of the shortfall.

“The additional trades needed also only represents the net increase in the workforce that will be required. The number of new additions to the workforce will need to be even greater than this to offset the number of workers as they leave the industry.

“Though a range of solutions are available to address Australia’s estimated 83,300 tradie shortfall. To start with, it is important that pathways into these trades is open and transparent and as high school students finish their senior school education a trade is considered a viable career option.

"Ensuring that there are readily available and current best-practice training opportunities for people looking to begin a career in the industry, improved pathways for skilled migration, and attracting workers from other industries or segments of the construction industry all also have a role to play.

“The housing shortage that is driving up housing costs for Australian households can only be reduced through efficient delivery of new housing in greater quantities than has been achieved in the past. The workforce of the housing industry must grow if this is to occur,” concluded Mr Hermon.

For more information please contact:

Mike Hermon

Executive Director - Future Workforce
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
07 Aug
Clarence tops the state for new homes approved in 2025-26

Clarence approved more new homes than any other council in Tasmania over the past year, figures released yesterday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show.

06 Aug
Minimum Financial Requirements - What you need to know

The new Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) for Victorian home builders started on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.

04 Aug
NT Government releases Housing Strategy 2026 - 2030

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the Northern Territory Government's release of the NT Housing Strategy 2026-2030, describing it as another positive step towards addressing one of the Territory's most significant economic and social challenges.

04 Aug
NT Housing Strategy a positive step, but delivery will be key

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the Northern Territory Government's release of the Housing Strategy 2026-2030, describing it as an important step towards addressing the Territory's housing shortage and supporting long-term economic growth.