CIBSE supports the Australian Prime Minister’s recent announcement of cash incentives to attract apprentices to the construction industry, a sector critical to addressing the country’s housing challenges and advancing sustainable development.
This initiative reflects a proactive step toward tackling the skills shortage that has long impacted the construction sector, while also recognising the financial barriers many apprentices face. Offering A$10,000 ($1 = 1.5921 Australian dollars) incentives to apprentices not only encourages more Australians to pursue careers in construction but also helps to retain talent in a field essential for meeting the government’s ambitious target of building 1.2 million homes over the next five years.
CIBSE ANZ Committee Chair, Dr. Mark Davie commented: "Addressing the skills shortage in the construction sector is critical to building a sustainable future. The Prime Minister’s initiative to incentivise apprenticeships is a welcome step towards closing this skills gap. CIBSE remains dedicated to supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of our industry and delivering innovative, sustainable building solutions."
CIBSE remains committed to bridging the skills gap in the construction and building services sectors. Through initiatives that promote education, professional development and innovation, CIBSE strives to equip the industry with the expertise and talent necessary to deliver sustainable, efficient and high-quality building solutions.
We applaud the Australian government’s focus on building a skilled workforce capable of addressing Australia’s housing challenges and advancing its broader construction objectives. As a professional global institution dedicated to advancing building services engineering, CIBSE stands ready to support initiatives that prioritise skills development and foster a resilient, future-ready workforce.