“The total number of apprentices in training declined by 3 per cent over the last 12 months, which is a great concern to the building industry and is compounding the nation’s construction skill shortages,” said HIA Chief Executive Industry & Policy, Simon Croft.

“The most significant falls were in bricklaying (down by 17 per cent), and roof tiling (down by 13 per cent), closely followed by plasters and painters.

“New apprenticeship commencements in the March quarter of this year were down in all trades. 

“Equally concerning was that despite 7,482 apprentices successfully finishing their training, this was overshadowed with 7,550 withdrawals over the same period. This marks the second consecutive quarter where the number of dropouts exceeded completions.

“In light of these figures, HIA is proposing that fresh thinking is needed to reverse the decline in apprentice numbers and these dropout rates. 

We are calling for a new three-pronged approach, including:

• The creation of a national network of specialist Australian Technical Colleges for year 10-12 students;
• A national Job Ready Scheme to provide a try-a-trade skills prior to entering into apprenticeship; and
• Financial incentives for employers to take on apprentices.

“For too long, our schooling system has preferenced a university education over trades, which has resulted in too many young people seeing trades as being a second-choice option. Technical colleges can provide a different pathway for ambitious young Australians, fast tracking them into high-skilled and well-paying jobs.

“Job Ready programs or try a trade programs trials, have shown to produce higher completion rates by preparing them for a career in the construction industry. A national targeted program would have the benefits of not only ensuring that young people can experience the industry before committing to a career, while employees will have access to better prepared employees.

“These declines aren’t entirely from a lack of people wanting to start a career in the construction trades, but also from a lack of employers being in a position to create jobs for apprentices. 

“Current financial support for employers is due to expire at the end of the year and the government have not announced any replacement or extension. 

“The new year period is when a new group of high school graduates begin the next stage of entering the workforce, but right now is when businesses are planning for their workforce needs in 2026. 

“Whilst there have been some good initiatives trialled over the past few years in the skills space, they are not moving the dial on boosting apprentice numbers and completions and we need fresh thinking to truly turn the ship around,” concluded Mr Croft. 

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