The Master Builders Association of the ACT has lost 594 trainees over the past two years, a development that threatens to exacerbate the territory's already severe housing shortage. The exodus represents a 40% drop in the number of apprentices and trainees in the association's programs, according to data released by the organisation.
Training collapse amid housing demand
The decline comes as Canberra faces a critical need for new housing, with population growth outpacing supply. The ACT government has set a target of building 70,000 new homes by 2040, but the construction industry is struggling to find enough skilled workers. Master Builders ACT CEO Michael Hopkins said the loss of trainees was a 'direct hit' on the industry's capacity to deliver.
“We are losing the next generation of builders at a time when we need them most,” Hopkins said. “The housing crisis won't be solved without a skilled workforce, and these numbers show we are heading in the wrong direction.”
Reasons for the exodus
Several factors have contributed to the mass departure, including low wages during training, high living costs in Canberra, and a lack of support for apprentices. Many trainees have cited financial pressure as the primary reason for leaving, with some unable to afford rent or daily expenses on apprentice wages. Others have moved to higher-paying industries such as mining or technology.
The association also pointed to a decline in the number of employers willing to take on apprentices, due to economic uncertainty and rising material costs. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted training and work placements, further discouraging young people from pursuing careers in construction.
Impact on housing supply
The shortage of skilled labour is already delaying projects across Canberra. The average time to complete a new home has increased by 20% since 2019, according to the Housing Industry Association. With fewer trainees entering the workforce, these delays are expected to worsen, pushing up prices and making it harder for first-home buyers to enter the market.
Master Builders ACT is calling on the government to introduce incentives for apprentices, such as subsidised accommodation, higher training wages, and tax breaks for employers who take on trainees. The association also wants a review of the apprenticeship system to make it more attractive and accessible.
Government response
ACT Minister for Skills and Training Chris Steel acknowledged the problem, saying the government was working on a new training strategy. “We recognise the challenges facing the construction industry and are committed to supporting apprentices and trainees,” Steel said. “We will be announcing a package of measures in the coming months to address this issue.”
However, critics argue that the government's response has been too slow. The opposition has accused the Labor government of neglecting the trades sector, pointing to a lack of investment in TAFE and vocational training. Shadow Minister for Skills Elizabeth Lee said the government needed to act urgently to prevent the housing crisis from deepening.
“We can't build homes without builders, and we can't have builders without trainees,” Lee said. “The government must prioritise this issue before it's too late.”
