The Housing Industry Association (HIA) says that increased support for training in the building and construction industry can make a real difference. It adds that funding arrangements put in place during the pandemic have proven their worth in increasing the uptake of building trade training.

“The incentives have clearly been instrumental in generating employment and training opportunities during the last few years. Those arrangements concluded in the middle of this year although the final months saw the strongest uptake,” HIA executive director, industry policy, Geordan Murray says.

“The latest release of apprenticeship and training data by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows very strong numbers of workers commencing training in the construction industry.”

Geordan adds that 17,165 apprentices commenced an apprenticeship in the construction industry in the March quarter of 2022. This was 35% higher than in the comparable period prior to the pandemic.

“There has been rapid growth in the number of apprentices in training over the last few years. There are now 111,800 construction apprentices in training which compares to 83,400 immediately prior to the pandemic, an increase of 34%,” he explains.

“There has also been a strong pick up in the number of people in training within the construction industry in non-trade occupations. There were 9,340 undertaking non-trade training which is more than double the number prior to the pandemic.

“It is promising to see the strong growth in women beginning careers in the building industry due to this support. The number of women undertaking trade training has increased by 108% since the pandemic began, while the number in non-trade training nearly tripled.”

The Australian Government has committed to supporting vocational education through additional TAFE places, but a place at a TAFE is only half the picture for occupations that require time ‘on the job’ to complete their apprenticeship.

“The latest data provides further evidence that wage subsidies play an important role in generating employment opportunities for apprentices. In the lead up to the October Budget, the Government must ensure there is sufficient support for the businesses employing and training these new apprentices to match the increase in TAFE places,” he concludes.

The HIA’s 2022-23 Pre-Budget submission can be found here.