News
10 February, 2025
Apprentices boost to help in housing
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the federal government’s announcement of a $10,000 incentive to increase the number of skilled workers in key housing trades, calling it a necessary step to address chronic labour shortages.
HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said the five staggered $2,000 payments would help retain apprentices and improve completion rates in the residential building industry.
"Increasing the living away from home allowance could also encourage more activity in regional areas struggling to attract trades," Ms Martin said.
However, she stressed that financial incentives alone would not solve the skills crisis.
The newly released Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System highlights the need for employer support and industry mentoring.
With Australia needing 83,000 additional tradespeople to meet its Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes in five years, Ms Martin urged a national focus on attracting and training new workers.
