Canberra's construction surge hides a sharp drop in apprentice numbers
Despite a building boom, Canberra faces a 20% decline in trade apprenticeships over two years, leaving a shortage of qualified bricklayers.
Canberra’s construction sector remains robust thanks to commercial projects and infrastructure like the light rail, yet the number of apprentices in trades has dropped 20% in less than two years, according to the Housing Industry Association. Executive director Geordan Murray highlighted that only seven bricklaying apprentices are in the ACT, a figure he called alarming. Bricklaying trainer Lynne Sheffield said the current split between classroom time and full-day site work fails to give apprentices the practical foundation they need.
Business owners such as Daniel Swan note that most bricklayers on site are over 40, raising concerns about an ageing workforce. Apprentice Jacob Nayler described the physical demands and limited on-the-job training he has received, while Murray warned that meeting the ACT government’s 30,000-home target by 2030 will require more young workers and a re-thinking of apprenticeship structures.
Why it matters
A shrinking pipeline of skilled tradespeople could jeopardize Canberra’s housing goals and construction growth.
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