Master Plumbers Australia/New Zealand (MPANZ) has welcomed Anthony Albanese’s $10,000 financial incentive for apprentices in essential trades, as part of the Building Australia plan.

MPANZ however also emphasises the need for additional and better measures to support businesses to take on apprentices, and the government has extended existing employer incentives until the end of 2025.

MPANZ spokesperson Nathaniel Smith says that there is still a pressing need for improved government assistance to pave the way for the next generation of plumbers, despite being optimistic about the financial incentive.

“Meeting targets for building homes, critical public infrastructure and the energy transition requires us to grow the plumbing workforce,” he says.

“The only way to do this is to encourage more people into apprenticeships and assist businesses with the cost of employing apprentices.”

Nathaniel states that employer incentives are valuable and do succeed in the industry.

“The vast majority of plumbing apprentices already complete their study as this is a requirement to work as a plumber, so while the government’s focus on completion is welcomed, it’s not enough,” he says.

“What we need is more employers to put on a plumbing apprentice directly, or to source one through a group training organisation. However, the cost of doing so in the current environment can be prohibitive, especially for SMEs and that’s where government-funded incentives come in. They assist to employ and for the apprentice to stay in the journey with the employer.”

Nathaniel says that apprenticeship incentives are not enough and emphasises the need for a systematic approach.

“This is how we can build the skilled workforce Australia needs to meet its housing and infrastructure goals,” he says.

MPANZ has stated that its main disappointment in the government’s response is in relation to employer assistance comes across as a plan to develop a plan.

“There needs to be more of a sense of urgency,” Nathaniel says.

“A plumbing apprenticeship is four years’ duration so there is a critical need to act now, not push is back another six months before employers have certainty.”

Nathaniel claims that better employer incentives and tax treatments are the most crucial components to secure the next generation of skilled tradies.