Sector needs 83,000 more tradespeople, says industry body
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has backed calls from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) for a rebalancing of the nation's education system, arguing that a shortage of skilled tradespeople remains a critical obstacle to resolving Australia's housing supply crisis.
Mike Hermon (pictured top), HIA's executive director – future workforce, said the ACCI's intervention added to a growing national conversation about how universities and vocational training providers should work together to meet the country's construction needs.
“Australia needs a better balance between university and vocational education if it is to solve its housing shortage,” Hermon said. “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. 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.”
Figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research show that 95% of construction apprentices and trainees find employment after completing their training, reflecting sustained demand for skilled workers across the sector.
“A trade is no longer just a pathway to working on the tools,” Hermon said. “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.” Hermon said.
Hermon called on governments to maintain support for apprenticeship intake and completion rates, and to ensure school leavers were given balanced guidance on career options within residential construction, rather than being steered solely towards university pathways.
“If we're serious about improving housing affordability, we have to be equally serious about building the workforce that will deliver those homes,” he said. “Every apprentice we fail to attract today is one less qualified tradie building Australia's homes tomorrow.”
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