{{ 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

Housing targets depend on more than university graduates

Media release

Housing targets depend on more than university graduates

Media release
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes today's contribution from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to the national debate on education and skills, Australia needs a better balance between university and vocational education if it is to solve its housing shortage. HIA Executive Director Future Workforce Mike Hermon said today.

“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:

Mike Hermon

Executive Director - Future Workforce

Joe Shanahan

Manager, Communications & Media
Latest articles
View all news $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
27 Jul
Get Ready - HBCF Is changing

icare has launched a new digital portal (the Portal) for managing all of your Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) obligations.

24 Jul
Funding Opportunities now available for Modern Methods of Construction

The NSW Government has recently established new programs designed to support the growth and adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in NSW.

24 Jul
The Importance of the Correct Air Conditioning System Sizing

Choosing the correct air conditioning system size is essential for achieving reliable comfort, energy efficiency and long term system performance.

24 Jul
Strong ACT labour market not translating into apprentice growth

“The ACT labour market remains strong, but that strength is not translating into improved training outcomes across the construction trades,” said HIA Executive Director – ACT & Southern NSW, Geordan Murray.