Australia’s $230 billion construction industry is under pressure as rising costs and labour shortages threatens to stall major infrastructure and housing projects.
In 2024, the industry saw a steady decline in new apprentices and skilled workers compared to the post-pandemic boom, when numbers peaked in 2021. According to The Australian’s 2024 Budget Summary, apprentice numbers have dropped by 11,500 in the past three years.
Third year roofing apprentice, Ethan Francis has said it is hard to work when you don’t have enough hands on deck and that in roofing, and other trades, he has seen a shortage nationwide.
“The less people that are doing the work, the more you’ve got to pick up the slack and do the work yourself,” Mr Francis said.
“We’re always getting pushed further and further each day and the more people that leave, the harder the work gets.”
The downturn comes amid rising concern from industry leaders who warn that labour shortages could stall vital infrastructure projects and delay new housing developments.
Mr Francis said that the work to money ratio makes it hard to justify why he has chosen this career, especially with the added cost of buying his own tools, but regardless, he plans to stick with it.
“I think it’s a good thing to stick out and have a qualification in the trades, it’s always a handy thing to have, I just don’t know how long it’s viable for,” Mr Francis said.
“Tools are pretty expensive, and sometimes you can save up for weeks just for one tool that you hardly even touch.
“I suppose you have to do it though.”
To address this, the recent Federal Government budget proposed a scheme called the Key Apprentice Program to encourage apprenticeship retention. $722.8 million will be put towards relieving cost-of-living for people starting apprentices in the construction sector.
The scheme includes payments in $10,000 increments to fund essential costs such as work gear, transport, and relocation for rural apprentices. However, this incentive will only be granted for apprentices pursuing an apprenticeship after July 1.
“I know a lot of apprentices won’t stick it out, they might even just show up for the bonus and then leave after one or two years,” Mr Francis said.
“I’ve seen a lot of people do that, show up to their trade for a year or two and then just quit their apprenticeship.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that if he is re-elected, he will be legislating 100,000 fee-free TAFE enrollments permanently in priority areas which include disability, aged-care, early childhood and construction.
“They’re good skills to have and even though the money is not the best, at the end of the day when you’re qualified, it does get better, which is more reason to stay,” Mr Francis said.