The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed data showing steady uptake of the Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP), which supports apprentices training in the home building sector.

A survey of the HIA’s small business members found that the cost and availability of skilled trades were among the top pressures on builders, with 67% of respondents reporting difficulty recruiting or retaining staff.

The latest KAP data shows 85% of apprentices are employed by small businesses, highlighting the importance of financial incentives in supporting workforce growth.

“Programs such as the KAP, which provide financial support to apprentices during their training, are essential to attracting prospective trades into the sector,” Jocelyn says.

Support for employers is critical and Jocelyn notes that apprentices typically do not deliver a return for the business until well into their second year: “Targeted retention programs are particularly important during the first 18 months, where we see a high level of dropouts.

“There is a clear correlation between the availability and level of incentives and the appetite for employers to take on apprentices and for young people to consider a career in residential building.”