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 locationBuilders reject Apprentice Employer Licensing proposal
Builders reject Apprentice Employer Licensing proposal
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 is already short more than 83,000 construction workers, and small and family run businesses - the backbone of Victoria’s residential building industry - provide most apprenticeship opportunities.
HIA says imposing a new licensing regime on these businesses will discourage participation in the apprenticeship system and worsen workforce shortages.
HIA Executive Director Victoria Keith Ryan said existing laws already provide a comprehensive framework for apprentice employment and supervision, with clear employer responsibilities and established processes to ensure appropriate training, support and oversight.
“Before introducing another layer of regulation, the Government must demonstrate that current arrangements are failing and that a licensing scheme will improve apprentice outcomes. To date, no such evidence has been presented that licensing would deliver any material benefit and, based on the evidence available, it is unlikely that one will be,” Mr Ryan said.
HIA warns the proposal will increase administrative complexity, add costs and create uncertainty for small businesses already operating in one of Australia’s most heavily regulated sectors.
“At a time when industry is being asked to train more apprentices than ever before, this proposal sends the wrong message. It risks reducing apprenticeship opportunities, worsening skill shortages and increasing housing costs,” Mr Ryan said.
HIA is receiving consistent negative feedback from its members on this proposal, with one member stating:
“If this is the case, we would no longer employ apprentices in our company. The costs that are associated with having an apprentice is already becoming unsustainable.”
HIA is urging the Victorian Government to work with industry on practical measures that support employers and apprentices - including reducing administrative burdens, strengthening mentoring, improving retention and providing targeted incentives.
HIA requests an urgent meeting with the Government and Opposition to outline industry deep concerns and discuss alternative approaches that encourage apprenticeship growth and support Victoria’s future housing needs.
For more information please contact:
Housing industry's best set to shine at Parliament House
The region's finest in residential building and renovation will be recognised tomorrow night as the 2026 HIA ACT Southern NSW Housing, Kitchen & Bathroom Awards are held at Parliament House in Canberra.
An exciting opportunity to shape Canberra's next suburb
The Housing Industry Association has welcomed the opening of community consultation on Ginninderra East, encouraging Canberrans to help shape the future suburb on former CSIRO land between Belconnen and Gungahlin.
Information Sessions for Framed Construction
With the current brick shortage creating challenges across WA’s residential building industry, some builders are exploring alternative construction methods to help keep projects moving.
Productivity Commission backs practical relief for small builders – but the biggest barriers remain off the table
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) welcomes the release of the Productivity Commission’s interim report, Unlocking business dynamism, that proposes reforms that has the potential to help small residential builders and trade contractors comply, restructure and recover.