{{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
Send me exclusive tips, early access to new launches, and special offers. I can change my mind at any time.
By clicking Get started now you agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
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:
Infrastructure and housing key to unlocking Hunter and Central Coast growth
Housing Industry Association (HIA) Industry Outlook Breakfast in Newcastle and Gosford have highlighted the critical role of infrastructure, planning reform and industry support in addressing housing supply challenges across the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
Regional housing must be a priority in the 2026 Victorian election
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling on all political parties contesting the November State election to make regional housing a priority, placing regional communities and their growing populations front and centre of their pre-election policy commitments.
The NSW Budget builds on existing housing supply reforms
“HIA welcomes the initiatives to support new housing announced by the Treasurer as part of today’s NSW State Budget,” said Brad Armitage HIA NSW Executive Director.
Building indemnity caps lifted to combat rising building costs
On 1 July 2026, builders will receive a 9% increase to eligibility and job profile limits for building indemnity insurance. These changes are designed to keep up with rising construction costs and are a welcome change for the industry. This is one update you don't want to overlook - keep reading to find out if you are eligible, or what you can do to opt-out.