Trades buck national enrolment downturn
Construction trade qualifications are growing in Australia despite a broader decline in VET enrolments nationally. Residential building trades are bucking the national training trend.
Are construction trade enrolments actually growing while other VET courses decline?
Builders, carpenters, plumbers and other tradies may see more apprentices entering the industry, easing labour shortages in residential construction.
Key takeaways
- Construction trade qualifications are growing despite a national drop in overall VET enrolments.
- The residential building sector is outperforming the broader training system in attracting students.
- This trend could help ease persistent skilled labour shortages in the building industry.
Related
Interview with Matt Shirvington, Sunrise
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn appeared on Sunrise to discuss the Workforce Blueprint. Article content is incomplete, limiting full detail.
Why it matters: Builders and contractors may be affected if the Workforce Blueprint introduces new training or workforce requirements across the construction sector.
New Blueprint to rebuild Australia's construction workforce
Master Builders Australia has released a Future Workforce Blueprint analysing skills gaps and workforce pipeline needs across the construction industry nationwide.
Why it matters: Affects builders, plumbers, electricians and all trades. Blueprint may shape future training and licensing policy impacting how tradies hire and upskill.
Systems integration becomes a trade: National qualification to launch in 2027
A Certificate III and Certificate IV in Systems Integration will launch in early 2027, giving the industry its first nationally recognised trade qualification.
Why it matters: Affects electricians and building automation techs who install integrated systems. Workers will have a formal pathway to credentials, potentially changing licensing and hiring requirements.