Thousands of new apprentices as Government backs a bigger housing workforce

New data shows the Albanese Government’s commitment to building the workforce for Australia's future is on track, with thousands of apprentices signing up to the Housing Construction Apprenticeship (HCA) stream of the Government’s Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP).

In the first six months since its launch on 1 July 2025, 11,407 apprentices commenced in housing construction trades under the program, which helps apprentices to start and finish training in the critical skills needed to build more homes.

Apprentices participating in the program receive $10,000 over the course of their apprenticeship, assisting with costs such as tools, equipment and fuel.

The top three housing construction occupations for commencements under the KAP are carpenters and joiners (4,231), plumbers (2,352) and electrical trades workers (1,796), alongside other occupations like glaziers, plasterers, bricklayers and concreters.

From 1 July 2025 to 1 January 2026, KAP apprentice commencements in housing construction by state were:

•            VIC – 3,374

•            NSW – 2,773

•            QLD – 2,712

•            WA – 1,352

•            SA – 685

•            TAS – 265

•            ACT – 173

•            NT – 73

KAP apprentices receive $2,000 payments at six, 12, 24 and 36 months and on completion of their apprenticeship, while employers of a KAP apprentice can claim up to $5,000 in the first year of the apprenticeship.

Apprentices or employers interested in learning more about the Key Apprenticeship Program can find out more information at www.apprenticeships.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“Our Key Apprenticeship Program is already making a real difference in attracting new apprentices to housing construction and driving them towards the occupations we need to build more homes for Australians.

“By supporting both the apprentice and the employer in this literally nation-building industry, the Albanese Government’s support is setting up apprentices for success.

“The Albanese Government inherited a skills shortage from the former Liberal and National Government – the worst in 50 years. Together with Australians right across the country, our Government is working to turn these around, including by backing more apprentices to get their start in the housing construction industry.”

ENDS