Housing industry insights
Advocacy & policy
News & inspiration
Support & guidance
Member perks
Industry insurance
For your business
Apprentices
Building it right
Managing your business
Managing your safety
Building your business
Other subjects
A rewarding career
Study with us
A job in the industry
Grow with us
Our podcasts
Our initiatives
Get involved
Awards
Awards winners
Industry events
Most popular products
Top categories
For your business
{{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 locationHousing targets depend on more than university graduates
Housing targets depend on more than university graduates
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.
“There was no question universities played a vital role in producing the architects, engineers, surveyors, planners and construction managers who help deliver Australia's homes, said Mr Hermon.
"But we also need the skilled tradespeople who physically build them.
"Australia is trying to build 1.2 million new homes, yet our industry still needs another 83,000 skilled tradespeople to meet demand. We won't achieve our housing ambitions unless we encourage more young Australians to see a trade as a first-choice career.
"The latest National Centre for Vocational Education and Research figures show 95 per cent of construction apprentices and trainees move into employment once they complete their training. That's an exceptional outcome and highlights the strength of demand across our industry.
"A trade is no longer just a pathway to working on the tools. It can lead to running your own business, becoming a licensed builder, site supervisor, estimator, project manager or moving into specialist areas that increasingly rely on digital technology, modern methods of construction and artificial intelligence.
“The debate should not be about university versus vocational education, but ensuring Australia's education system reflects the workforce the country needs.
"What we need is a pipeline of architects to design our homes, engineers to certify them and builders and tradies to bring them to life. Australia's housing challenge won't be solved unless all parts of that workforce are growing together."
Mr Hermon said governments should continue supporting apprenticeship commencements and completions while ensuring young Australians receive balanced careers advice about the opportunities available in residential construction.
"If we're serious about improving housing affordability, we have to be equally serious about building the workforce that will deliver those homes. Every apprentice we fail to attract today is one less qualified tradie building Australia's homes tomorrow," concluded Mr Hermon.
For more information please contact:
Workers' compensation shake-up puts costs in focus
This week, the Queensland Government introduced legislation into Parliament to reform the state's workers' compensation scheme by specifically addressing the rising impact of psychological injury claims and fraud on the Scheme's long-term financial sustainability.
New home shortfall costs Tasmania the equivalent of 2,800 nurses for two years
Tasmania’s failure to build enough homes has cost the state budget an estimated $642 million in stamp duty and GST over the past two years, which is enough to pay the salaries of 2,807 registered nurses for two years, according to new analysis by the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
Housing industry backs scope 3 rollback to ease growing compliance burden
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the Federal Opposition's announcement that it would remove Scope 3 emissions reporting requirements, describing the move as a practical step towards reducing growing compliance burdens across Australia's residential building supply chain.
Labor’s Absentee Owner Surcharge ‘cut’ won’t deliver affordable housing
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) acknowledges the Victorian Labor government’s announcement today that it will cut the Absentee Owner Surcharge (AOS) for its preferred projects.