The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has raised concerns in the current approach to training, stating that it won’t get Australia to its 1.2 million housing target, after the National Centre for Vocational Education and Training (NCVER) showed a decline in construction apprentices in training.

The total amount of apprentices in training has declined by 3% over the past 12 months, with the most significant falls in bricklaying, which is down by 17% and roof tiling, down by 13%. This is closely followed by plasterers and painters.

“Equally concerning was that despite 7,482 apprentices successfully finishing their training, this was overshadowed, with 7,550 withdrawals over the same period,” HIA chief executive industry & policy Simon Croft says.

“This marks the second consecutive quarter where the number of dropouts exceeded completions.”

The HIA is proposing that new eyes are needed to reverse the decline, suggesting a new three-pronged approach.

This consists of the creation of a national network of specialist Australian Technical Colleges for year 10-12 students, a national Job Ready Scheme to provide a try-a-trade skills prior to entering apprenticeships and financial incentives for employers to take on apprentices.

“For too long, our schooling system has preferred a university education over trades, which has resulted in too many young people seeing trades as being a second-choice option. Technical colleges can provide a different pathway for ambitious young Australians, fast-tracking them into high-skilled and well-paying jobs,” Simon says.

“Job Ready programs or try a trade programs trials have shown to produce higher completion rates by preparing them for a career in the construction industry. A national targeted program would have the benefits of not only ensuring that young people can experience the industry before committing to a career, while employees will have access to better prepared employees.

Current financial support for employers will expire at the end of 2025, with the government yet to announce a replacement or extension.