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Australia’s construction industry is facing a major labour shortage as it struggles to meet growing housing and infrastructure demands. Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, says over 500,000 new workers are needed within five years to replace retirees and grow the workforce. With tighter migration policies, the pressure is on domestic labour.

Wawn calls for urgent reform of the apprenticeship system, highlighting a nearly 50% dropout rate and a cultural bias favouring university over trades. Without intervention, the shortage could cost the economy $57 billion in lost GDP.

Recent government initiatives offer hope. Labor’s Key Apprenticeship Program will provide $10,000 to construction apprentices, while the Coalition proposes a 10% wage subsidy for small businesses and a matching $10,000 apprentice grant. While Wawn supports both plans, she says small businesses need further support to handle training costs.

Wawn stresses the need for cultural change and practical reforms such as better school-based career education, female participation in trades, and stronger mentoring programs. She urges collaboration between government, industry, schools, and communities to invest in the next generation of tradies and ensure Australia can meet its housing goals.

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As demand escalates for skilled workers in clean energy solutions, the oil and gas industry must embrace the strategic advantage offered by apprenticeships. MEGT, Australia’s largest Apprentice Connect Provider, is dedicated to helping organisations attract, train, and retain talent, thereby addressing critical workforce gaps and fostering growth, innovation, and diversity.

Strategic Workforce DevelopmentOil and Gas Workforce Apprenticeships are Key to Future-Proofing 

Apprenticeships provide businesses with the dual opportunity of recruiting fresh talent or upskilling existing staff. According to MEGT state manager Blake Wallace, apprenticeships significantly boost productivity, innovation, skills transfer, and employee retention.

“Our partner organisations recognise that as new technologies emerge, they require a skilled workforce ready to adapt and thrive,” Wallace explained.

Historically, the oil and gas sector has struggled to attract and retain young talent, but apprenticeships are changing this dynamic. Wallace notes that more than half of apprentices stay with their employers post-qualification, underscoring apprenticeships’ value for long-term workforce stability.

Currently, MEGT is predominantly enrolling apprentices in qualifications tailored to critical areas within oil and gas, including:

• Process Plant Operations
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrotechnology Electricians

MEGT’s Comprehensive Support

Recognising the challenges presented by remote and offshore operations, MEGT provides extensive support services, making the apprenticeship process seamless for employers:

• Free Job Board: Employers can quickly and easily find suitable apprenticeship candidates.
• Pre-Sign-Up Checks: Comprehensive early assessments identify apprentices’ and employers’ support needs.
• Efficient Administrative Support: MEGT handles sign-up and training contract registration on-site, reducing employer administrative burdens.
• Tailored Mentoring and Support: MEGT provides ongoing, tiered support precisely when and where it’s needed.
• Expert Financial Guidance: Specialists clarify eligibility criteria and help businesses access incentives seamlessly.

Financial Incentives

To encourage hiring and skill development in priority areas such as clean energy, the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System offers significant financial support:

• Priority Hiring Incentive: Employers hiring apprentices in clean energy sectors can receive up to $5,000 for full-time or $2,500 for part-time apprentices in their first year.
• New Energy Apprentice Support Payment: Apprentices pursuing clean energy pathways may be eligible for up to $10,000 throughout their apprenticeship.

Enhanced Living Allowance

Recognising difficulties in attracting and retaining apprentices in regional and remote areas, the Federal Government will significantly increase the Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) from July 2025:

• First-year apprentices: from $77.17 to $134.05 weekly
• Second-year apprentices: from $38.59 to $67.03 weekly
• Third-year apprentices: from $25 to $43.43 weekly

These enhancements highlight MEGT’s commitment to addressing industry challenges and supporting oil and gas businesses in creating a sustainable, skilled, and future-ready workforce.

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First Reported in BigRigs in March 2025.

With over 26,000 positions unfilled, truck driving is one of the top five occupations with a skill shortage. The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is calling on the government to do more to support up and coming drivers.

Ahead of the upcoming 2025 federal election, ATA Chair Mark Parry said the next Australian Government should provide financial support to apprentice and trainee truck drivers and their employers.

Today, Parry released the first of the ATA’s policy initiatives for the 2025 federal election campaign, highlighting its plan to “fix Australia’s truck driver shortage”.

The ATA is calling on Australia’s political parties to commit to:

1. Providing financial support to driving operations apprentices and their employers;
2. Paying a completion bonus to drivers who complete one of the short driver training courses run by RTOs with trucking industry associations, state governments and major companies;

Launching a national skills passport so drivers and other workers can share evidence of their qualifications and skills; and
Adding articulated truck drivers and tanker drivers to the skilled occupation list for migration to Australia, after overseas driver licensing is fixed.

“Trucking is one of Australia’s essential industries. We deliver every item at your local supermarket, every litre of fuel at the service station and every medicine at the chemist, but we face a shortage of truck drivers,” Parry said.

“The Australian Government provides financial support to apprentices in priority occupations such as electricians and mechanics. But it does not support people who want to work as truck drivers, even though driving operations can be an apprenticeship.”

The ATA is calling on the next government to provide financial support to apprentices undertaking driving operations apprenticeships and to their employers.

“Apprentices should receive $5000 in support over their apprenticeship. Employers should receive $2000 after six months and a further $3000 after 12 months,” Parry said.

He added that a number of registered training organisations ran short truck driving courses that went beyond getting a licence, to include other skills that drivers need to succeed.

“These short courses are supported by state governments, trucking industry associations or major companies, but there are no federal incentives for potential drivers to give them a go,” he said.

“The next government should pay a completion bonus of $1500 to drivers who complete one of these short driver training courses. The driver’s first employer should receive a $1500 hiring bonus.”

Parry said the next government should also launch a national skills passport to make it easier for drivers and other workers to demonstrate their skills and qualifications. The ATA believes a skills passport would also help businesses hire new staff with confidence.

“Our 2024 Workforce and Driver Training Summit called for the creation of a passport system so truck drivers could easily show they had the licences and qualifications they need, such as holding a dangerous goods licence or completing an NHVAS fatigue course in addition to their driver’s licence,” he said.

Parry said that articulated truck drivers and tanker drivers should be added to the skilled occupation list for migration to Australia.

“It is extremely difficult for truck drivers to migrate to Australia, except under very narrow circumstances,” he said.

“Last year, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recognised that articulated truck and tanker driving required a similar level of skill to a trade certificate.

“We welcome skilled tradies to Australia. We should welcome safe, experienced drivers from overseas too, although the overseas driver licensing system needs to be fixed first. We’ll discuss how to do this at Trucking Australia 2025 in April.”

The ATA says it will be releasing more policy proposals as the federal election gets closer.

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As Reported in The Australian on February 25, 2025

Australia’s first university-based apprenticeship program has exceeded expectations in its inaugural year, prompting the South Australian government to expand the initiative to include additional disciplines.

The trailblazing degree-apprenticeship model, run by Dr Tom Raimondo and his team at the University of South Australia (UniSA), aims to break down the financial barriers that often deter less-wealthy Australians from pursuing a university degree. By partnering with employers who cover tuition fees and provide a salary, the program offers students the unique opportunity to earn while they learn.

Dr Raimondo, UniSA’s Dean of Programs (Information Technology and Mathematics), says setting up the program took several years and required close collaboration between industry partners, the university, and the government. “There was no precedent for this type of degree-apprenticeship in Australia,” he explains. “We faced legislative challenges, but with support from the Skills Commission, we successfully registered the program as a formal apprenticeship.”

The result: a five-year Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) degree-apprenticeship that balances academic study and on-the-job training. The first two years are study-focused, while the remaining years gradually shift emphasis to work experience.

Students sign dual agreements—both as university students and registered apprentices. Three leading defence and security companies—BAE Systems, ASC, and Consunet—are sponsoring the inaugural cohort.

The first intake included 13 diverse students, ranging from recent school-leavers to mature-age learners, many from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in higher education. “We’re particularly focused on providing opportunities to students from equity backgrounds, those who might otherwise see university as out of reach due to financial constraints or being first in their family to consider higher education,” Raimondo says.

The interest in the program has been overwhelming, with 130 expressions of interest for just 13 spots. While one student withdrew due to personal circumstances, the remaining 12 excelled in their first year—all achieving higher-distinction results.

Raimondo emphasises the benefits for both students and employers. “For employers, it’s an opportunity to shape their future workforce from day one. By the time the apprenticeship is complete, graduates have five years of hands-on experience, training, and professional development under their belts. Employers gain not just a graduate, but a well-rounded, work-ready employee who understands their systems, culture, and expectations.”

With the AUKUS defence pact expected to drive demand for skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Raimondo believes initiatives like these are critical.

“We simply won’t be able to produce enough graduates to meet demand if we continue with business as usual,” he warns. “We need programs that make STEM pathways more appealing and accessible to a broader, more diverse range of students.”

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If you’ve ever thought about becoming a tradie, there has never been a better time. The Australian government is now offering a $10,000 incentive to apprentices in residential construction fields like carpentry and plumbing, making it easier to kickstart your career while earning at the same time.

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is one of the best ways to learn a trade, gain hands-on experience, and secure long-term job prospects. Unlike traditional study paths, an apprenticeship allows you to:

✅ Earn while you learn – Get paid as you train on the job.

✅ Gain real-world skills – Work with experienced professionals and develop practical expertise.

✅ Open career doors – Secure a high-demand job in industries that are always needed.

✅ Achieve financial stability – Qualified tradies often earn higher salaries than university graduates.

✅ Start your own business – Many skilled tradespeople go on to run their own successful businesses.

$10,000 Apprenticeship Incentive – How It Works

From July 1, 2025, eligible apprentices in residential construction will receive $10,000 in government support, on top of their wages. Payments are structured to help you stay on track and complete your apprenticeship:

💰 $2,000 at 6 months

💰 $2,000 at 12 months

💰 $2,000 at 24 months

💰 $2,000 at 36 months

💰 $2,000 upon completion

This financial support makes it easier to focus on learning your trade without the financial strain that often comes with full-time training.

Apprenticeships for All Ages – It’s Never Too Late!

Think apprenticeships are only for young people? Think again! Older Australians (45+) are also encouraged to apply, bringing valuable life and work experience to the industry.

🔹 Fee-free TAFE courses are available to support career changers.

🔹 The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) offers an additional $7,500 to help employers hire apprentices aged 21 and over.

🔹 Programs like Tradie2Trainer provide pathways for experienced tradies to become trainers, offering a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to teach the next generation.

A Secure Future in the Trades

With Australia aiming to build 1.2 million homes by 2029, demand for skilled tradies is higher than ever. Completing an apprenticeship means job security, financial independence, and career growth—whether you want to work for a top company or start your own business.

Now is the time to pick up the tools and build a strong future in a high-demand industry. Start your apprenticeship today!

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Less Red Tape, More Opportunities

Good news for anyone thinking about starting an apprenticeship—big changes are coming to make the process smoother and help more people qualify! The UK government has just announced reforms that could open up 10,000 extra apprenticeship spots every year.

One of the biggest updates? Employers now have more say over whether adult apprentices (19+) need to pass a GCSE-level English and maths qualification. This means if you’re over 19 and starting an apprenticeship, you might not have to retake exams in these subjects just to pass your training. Instead, the focus will be on real-world skills and work experience—making it easier to get into industries without unnecessary hurdles.

Apprenticeships Just Got Faster

Starting in August 2025, some apprenticeships will go from 12 months down to just 8 months—so you can qualify and start earning faster. This change is being tested first in three key industries:
✅ Green Energy
✅ Healthcare
✅ Film & TV Production

Shorter apprenticeships will also be a big win for industries like construction and social care, where workers are urgently needed. With the government pushing to build 1.5 million homes, this means more jobs and quicker career paths for apprentices in these fields.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson says this is all about making apprenticeships work for both businesses and learners. “Our new approach balances speed with quality,” she said, highlighting that getting more people into good jobs is a top priority.

New Skills Taskforce to Shape the Future

To make sure these changes work for young people, a new Skills England leadership team has been set up. These experts will work with employers, training providers, and unions to identify where skills are needed most and which apprenticeships should get the faster-track option.

What Employers Are Saying

The response from big businesses and training providers has been super positive. Industry leaders say that making apprenticeships more flexible will help both young people and career changers get into work more easily.

🔹 Federation of Small Businesses: “This will help small employers fill skills gaps faster.”
🔹 Multiverse (founded by Euan Blair MBE): “It’s a great step toward opening apprenticeships to more people.”
🔹 John Lewis Partnership: “Dropping the GCSE barrier means apprenticeships will be more accessible, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Big brands like Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Starbucks UK, and John Lewis are already backing the changes, which will help apprentices from all backgrounds, including care leavers and those with learning disabilities.

When Do These Changes Kick In?

🚀 English & Maths flexibility = Effective immediately!
📅 Shorter apprenticeships = Rolling out August 2025 (if approved by Parliament)

With these updates, apprenticeships are becoming faster, more accessible, and focused on real-world experience. If you’ve been considering an apprenticeship but were worried about GCSEs or long training times, now’s the time to jump in!

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October 21, 2024

Encouraging new people into building trades looks to have hit a stumbling block, as new data from the National Centre for Vocational Education reveals apprentice numbers dropped by nearly 9 per cent over the 12 months to March 2024.

This data also coincides with new house builds declining by more than 10 per cent in the past financial year, causing the experts at Master Builders Australia some concern.

The peak body has repeatedly warned that low apprenticeship numbers will worsen the nation’s housing crisis if action is not taken immediately.

The warning comes after new Australian Bureau of Statistics data revealed 2023-24 was the worst year for home building in more than a decade, dropping 8.8 per cent to 158,690 new starts.

Master Builders chief economist Shane Garrett said that detached house starts fell by 10.1 per cent, while higher density commencements were down by 6.0 per cent.

“If building continues at this pace, we’ll be in for less than 800,000 new home starts over the next five years.

“This would mean a shortfall of over 400,000 homes compared with the National Housing Accord target.”

The data release, revealing a drop to numbers not seen since 2011-12, coincided with fresh data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research which showed declines in apprenticeship numbers.

Apprenticeship completions fell 8.6 per cent from 24,545 in the year to March 2023 to 22,420 to March 2024.

The researched also revealed that in the same period, apprenticeship commencements dropped 11.8 per cent from 47,110 to 41,520, and the number of apprentices in training declined 2.2 per cent from 124,280 to 121,530.

Australia’s largest residential builder, Metricon, also has concerns about the slow intake of tradies into the industry.

Metricon General Manager Regional Housing Victoria, Phil Barrett, said the housing crisis is hitting regional Victoria hard, and skilled labour shortages are a critical roadblock.

“At Metricon, we’re taking decisive action to address this, ensuring that regional communities can build and thrive.

“As part of our commitment to supporting the government’s housing goals, we’re partnering with key industry bodies to ramp up trade apprenticeships across regional Victoria.

“This is a vital step to securing the skilled workforce we need to meet demand and keep the building sector strong in our regional areas.”

One such move to support future talent, Metricon has joined forces with the Building & Construction Foundation for the Mario Biasin Scholarships.

With a $15,000 investment, Metricon are backing two trade-based and two leadership-focused scholarships.

“These data releases aren’t unrelated, to bring Australia out of the housing crisis we need to drastically increase the supply of housing, and we can’t do that while we’re simultaneously suffering through a labour shortage,” Master Builders Australia chief executive officer Denita Wawn said.

“We urgently need governments to look at solutions to increase the number of tradies, increase the number of apprentices, and help Australian builders increase supply so we can come out the other side of this housing crisis,.”

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September 3, 2024

Flinders University has partnered with defence industry primes ASC Pty Ltd and BAE Systems Australia to launch a landmark Higher Education Trade Degree Apprenticeship in Engineering, which will fast track skilled professionals needed critically in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, defence and renewables.

The South Australian Skills Commission has formally declared the degree apprenticeship pathway for mechanical engineering, which will be tailored to support students into promising defence industry careers.

The program allows students to undertake paid apprenticeships with global companies while still undertaking their university degree. It means they can earn while they learn and get a head-start on the career into an in-demand sector.

Flinders University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Stirling says trades are no longer at odds with a degree, thanks to Flinders visionary approach to knowledge development which will bridge the blue- and white-collar divide.

“Our trailblazing Degree Apprenticeship in Engineering – one of the state’s most in demand fields – will enable student apprentices to emerge with degree level qualifications in addition to practical skills.”

“It will support jobs growth by tackling pressing skills shortages and be a blueprint for a new generation of engineering studies nationally.”

Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Romy Lawson told media that this ‘is an innovative educational approach that is going to dismantle the traditional divide between trade and degrees, and create a new generation of students who are highly skilled and industry ready graduates.’

South Australia is leading the nation in its approach to paid education pathways with the creation of a second Degree Apprenticeship program.

New Degree Apprenticeship pilot programs will be supported by an additional $2.5 million in joint South Australian and Federal Government funding, as a key commitment of the SA Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan.

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Romy Lawson, BAE Systems Australia Manufacturing Engineering Manager Tom Johnson, Minister for Education Blair Boyer with Findon Technical College students Lilil Kounavelis and Hudson Scott.
Deputy Premier Susan Close says South Australia is embarking on a period of significant workforce and skills development in response to the major defence projects we’ve been entrusted to deliver.

“This is a capability uplift of unprecedented scale. The establishment of degree apprenticeships is just one way the South Australian Government is matching local jobseekers and school leavers with the thousands of defence industry career opportunities coming online.”

Over the next four years, eligible universities registered in South Australia can apply to establish and deliver degree apprenticeship pilot programs aligned to defence industry workforce needs.

Degree apprenticeships combine higher education degrees with paid industry experience, enabling students to secure their place in one of more than 11,000 defence industry roles required in South Australia over the next 20 years.

Minister for Education Blair Boyer says a job in South Australia’s defence industry requires a mix of hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge – making a degree apprenticeship the perfect model to transform entry-level jobseekers into highly capable employees.

“We are leading the nation in ensuring young people have opportunities that will lead to well-paying in-demand careers. The Malinauskas Labor Government is proud to be building an agile skills system, able to quickly respond and forge accessible career pathways into areas of growing industry demand.”

South Australian Skills Commissioner, Cameron Baker says the South Australian Skills Commission is pleased to see this degree apprenticeship commencing in 2025, and for SA to be leading the nation with this approach in connecting VET and higher education pathways.

“We are supportive of how the model is being developed in South Australia and how it could be applied to other industries and disciplines, where on-the job learning while studying at university could fast-track the development of work-ready university graduates.

“The South Australian Skills Commission is committed to developing an agile, industry aligned skills system that meets skills and workforce needs and enables careers in our growing industries.”

ASC Pty Ltd Managing Director CEO Stuart Whiley says young South Australians now have an incredible opportunity to earn while they learn in advanced technology jobs.

“As the Australian Government’s Sovereign Submarine Partner for nuclear powered submarine sustainment and joint partner the AUKUS SSN build, ASC Pty Ltd is proud to contribute to the expansion of the Degree Apprenticeships model in South Australia in partnership with Flinders University and BAE Systems Australia.”

“The SSN-AUKUS program is the biggest defence industrial undertaking in our history and requires the adoption of innovative education models for rapidly expanding and upskilling our engineering workforce.”

BAE Systems Australia Chief People Officer Angela Wiggins its national workforce of more than 6,300 is growing.

“We are working closely with the South Australian Government and our education partners on innovative approaches to meet our workforce needs.”

“This degree apprenticeship program is a world-class example of industry, the education sector and government working together for the benefit of Australia. Of the 2600 engineers we employ, more than 370 are mechanical engineers. When they graduate, these apprentices will have experience and a degree in a high demand skill area.”

Jan Irvine, Engineers Australia SA General Manager says Engineers Australia supports innovative degree structures that create diverse pathways, integrating industry needs with learning opportunities.

“By enabling students to earn while they learn, we empower them to kickstart their careers in high-demand sectors—giving both students and industries a head-start on success.”

The curriculum covers a broad span of engineering fields, including mechanical, civil, electrical and electronic, nuclear, maritime, robotics, environmental and biomedical.

Apprentices graduating with degree qualifications will have a head start in myriad careers, from space exploration, advanced manufacturing, communications and defence to climate change, mining, agriculture and healthcare.

The courses will be delivered at our new city campus and will also be a pathway for students enrolled in South Australia’s new Technical Colleges starting at Findon, with Tonsley to follow upon opening. Students must have completed their SACE and must meet the entry requirements demonstrated though a Flinders developed Technical Colleges pathway. Students in other schools can utilise the University’s standard admission pathways to Engineering for entry to the Degree Apprenticeship. Students securing a Degree Apprenticeship will learn in the workplace as well as on campus.

The initial intake of student apprentices will commence in 2025, with the Degree Apprenticeship able to be completed in five years.

More information on the Degree Apprenticeship in Engineering is available at https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/engineering/mech-eng-earn-and-learn

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Latest data has revealed that training activity in key sectors critical to South Australia’s economy–like defence, manufacturing, clean energy, construction, technology, and artificial intelligence–is on the rise.

The most recent report from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) for the March 2024 quarter highlights a rise in the number of apprentices and trainees engaged in training aligned with these priority areas.

“The latest results are a reflection of that work, including prioritising investment in rebuilding TAFE SA, more than $5m each year to support Group Training Organisations employing apprentices, and a $8.8m investment in trade Skill Shortage Solutions, inviting grant applications from industry-driven partnerships to tackle skills needs,” said Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer.

“That’s why the State and Commonwealth Governments have committed unprecedented levels of funding towards bolstering our state’s VET sector – including a $2.3 billion joint investment through the National Skills Agreement.”

There was also an increase in those completing apprenticeships and traineeships in these areas.

The data shows there were 24,765 apprentices and trainees in training in South Australia, of which 64.2 per cent were studying in priority areas. A year ago, this was only 55.3 per cent.

In the year to 31 March 2024, there were 7,285 apprentice and trainee completions, an increase of 14.2 per cent, the highest increase in the nation.

This equates to almost 1000 more skilled people in South Australia than a year ago.

For trade apprentices, in the year 31 March 2024, there were:

5,120 commencements, an increase of 30.1 per cent compared to 2019, the third highest in the nation.
3,150 completions, an increase of 47.0 per cent compared to 2019 – the highest in the nation.

As of 31 March 2024, there were 16,580 trade apprentices in-training, an increase of 51.0 per cent compared to 2019 – the second highest increase in the nation.

Commencements and the number of South Australians in trade occupations in government priority areas are also higher than at the same time last year.

In the year to 31 March 2019, there were 8,280 commencements in South Australia.

The latest figures show 9,205 apprentice and trainee commencements in the same period – an 11.1 per cent increase. Of these, 5,525 or 60 per cent, were in priority areas compared to 41.4 per cent in 2019.

The NCVER data also shows there were fewer cancellations and withdrawals, down 24.7 per cent in the March quarter, 430 fewer cancellations than in the same period a year earlier.