Industry warns Australia cannot meet 1.2 million housing target without urgent apprentice boost

New data reveals a shock drop in construction apprentices threatening home targets. Australia has set a target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029, but a sharp fall in construction apprenticeships has raised serious doubts about who will actually build them. The latest National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data shows the number of trade apprentices and trainees in training fell from 240,585 in March 2022 to 216,000 in March 2026, a decline of 10.2%, or almost 25,000 people. The figures come as governments across Australia are trying to accelerate housing construction. The decline is particularly significant for the property and construction sector, with the number of apprentices and trainees in Construction Trades Workers occupations falling by 15.5 per cent between 2022 and 2026. The figures come as governments across Australia are trying to accelerate housing construction. Under the National Housing Accord, Australia is expected to deliver 1.2 million new homes over five years from July 2024 to June 2029. The latest NCVER data shows that annual trade apprenticeship commencements fell by 1.1% in the 12 months to March 2026. MORE NEWS: Safe as houses: The markets w...