The Australian Government’s programs supporting apprentices during the pandemic and subsequently, have been successful at attracting new apprentices into the industry and encouraging employers to provide opportunities straight out of school.
In the upcoming federal budget, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) recommends the government explore and expand support for apprentices as a way of growing a strained construction workforce.
“We need to attract more apprentices into the construction industry and retain them, “said Jocelyn Martin, HIA Managing Director, Policy and Industry.
“There is an untapped pool of mature age people keen to make a career transition into construction who are not being given the chance,” Ms Martin said. “The key to growing a strong workforce in the building industry is not only the ability to attract people from a range of backgrounds, but the ability to retain these workers for a long period of time.”
There is a suite of policy ideas that could make a real difference,” she said.