{{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 locationTrades buck national enrolment downturn
Trades buck national enrolment downturn
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.
Australia's residential building industry is bucking the national training trend after new figures reveal construction trade qualifications continue to grow despite an overall decline in VET enrolments, HIA Executive Director Future Workforce Mike Hermon said today.
“New National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data shows overall qualification enrolments fell by more than five per cent in 2025,” said Mr Hermon.
“However, Architecture and Building was the only major field of education to record growth, with almost 14,000 additional enrolments, while Construction, Plumbing and Services and Electrotechnology qualifications also posted strong gains.
“The figures show more Australians are recognising that a career in residential construction offers secure employment, strong earning potential and the opportunity to make a real difference.
“While qualification enrolments are falling across much of the VET sector, construction is moving in the opposite direction. That's a strong vote of confidence in careers that build Australia's homes.
“Young Australians can see there is no shortage of work. They can earn while they learn and step straight into an industry crying out for skilled workers.
“The increase in enrolments is encouraging, but Australia is still well short of the workforce needed to meet its housing ambitions.
“HIA estimates Australia needs another 83,000 skilled tradespeople to deliver the homes Australians need.
“Getting more people through the front door is great news, but now we have to keep them there. Around half of all construction apprentices don't complete their training, so lifting completion rates must be the next priority.
“Housing is no longer competing for skilled workers within the construction sector alone. Residential building is now competing with major transport and energy infrastructure projects, defence programs including AUKUS, the transition to net zero, and the rapid expansion of data centres. Every one of these sectors is drawing from the same finite pool of skilled workers.
“That means Australia needs to double down on growing its skilled workforce. We need targeted investment in apprenticeships, stronger support for the small businesses that train the overwhelming majority of apprentices, and long-term certainty around skills funding.
“If we're serious about delivering more homes while also delivering our broader national priorities, we need more skilled workers coming through the front door and more of them completing their training,” concluded Mr Hermon.
For more information please contact:
New independent research supports HIA call for lot size reform
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) says new independent Australian research has provided further evidence that relatively simple planning reforms can deliver meaningful increases in housing supply.
Trades buck national enrolment downturn
Australia's residential building industry is bucking the national training trend after new figures reveal construction trade qualifications continue to grow despite an overall decline in VET enrolments, HIA Executive Director Future Workforce Mike Hermon said today.
16 National Sustainable Awards highlight decades of excellence for NSW builder
Blue Eco Homes' Joe Mercieca has been recognised as the 2026 HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional at the 2026 HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards, held in Melbourne on 22 July.
Hunter home building hotspots revealed
“The Hunter region continues to demonstrate the importance of a strong pipeline of residential land and housing approvals, with thirteen local areas meeting HIA’s population and residential building hotspots criteria in 2024/25,” stated HIA Executive Director - Hunter, Craig Jennion.