{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationDrop in ACT apprentice numbers raise alarm for housing target
Drop in ACT apprentice numbers raise alarm for housing target
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
HIA Executive Director ACT/Southern NSW, Geordan Murray, said the data is troubling at a time when the ACT has set an ambitious target of building 30,000 new homes by the end of 2030.
“The number of construction trade apprentices in training in the ACT has fallen 26 per cent since the peak in mid-2022,” Mr Murray said.
“What’s even more concerning is that current numbers are now 16 per cent lower than before the pandemic, meaning we are going backwards at a time when we need to be building up our workforce to deliver the homes our community needs.”
The decline has been seen across all key residential building trades:
- Carpenters down 15%
- Plumbers down 17%
- Tilers down 21%
- Painters down 31%
- Electricians down 12% – despite urgent demand driven by electrification initiatives
“The most alarming figure is for bricklaying apprentices,” Mr Murray said.
“Before the pandemic, we had 62 bricklaying apprentices in training. Today, we have just 15. This is simply unsustainable if we want to keep building homes at the rate the ACT Government is targeting.
“We must take urgent action to make careers in the building and construction industry attractive to young people and ensure the training system is set up to support the next generation of skilled workers.
“Without a strong local pipeline of skilled trades, the ACT’s housing and electrification ambitions are at serious risk,” concluded Mr Murray.
For more information please contact:
Federal Government confirms funding for Territory apprentices during visit to Darwin
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is pleased to welcome Minister Andrew Giles to the HIA NT Skills Centre in Darwin, providing an opportunity to showcase the Northern Territory’s training pipeline and discuss the continued challenges facing the local residential building industry,” HIA Executive Director Northern Territory, Luis Espinoza, said today.
Housing Australia launches Round 3 funding
The Federal Government, through Housing Australia, has announced a third round of funding, in support of its commitment to the building of 1.2 million homes over the next 5 years.
Christmas Comes Early for Housing: HIA Backs Premier’s Action Agenda
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) today welcomed Premier Rockliff’s announcement of the Tasmanian Government’s next 100-day plan, which commits a suite of housing and planning reforms to fast-track new homes and cut red tape.
Key changes under the QBCC Bill
The Queensland Government recently announced the next phase of the ‘Building Reg Reno’ reforms, including various changes under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.