Construction apprentice withdrawals outpace completions as commencements slide

The latest figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) highlight the ongoing fragility of Australia’s construction apprenticeship pipeline. 

During the March 2025 quarter, 15,015 new construction apprentices commenced their training – a reduction of 2.6 per cent on the same period a year earlier. 

While completions rose strongly, with 7,482 apprentices successfully finishing their training (a 20.3 per cent lift on the previous year), this positive outcome was overshadowed by 7,550 withdrawals over the same period. This marks the second consecutive quarter where the number of dropouts exceeded completions. 

At the end of March 2025, 115,970 construction apprentices remained in training, 4.6 per cent fewer than a year earlier. 

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the data confirms the need for urgent reforms to strengthen the apprentice pipeline. 

“Boosting completions is encouraging, but it’s deeply concerning that more apprentices are leaving their training than finishing it,” Ms Wawn said. 

“With commencements continuing to fall and withdrawals outpacing completions, we are going backwards at a time when the nation desperately needs to build more homes, infrastructure and commercial projects. 

“The building and construction industry is already short more than 100,000 workers if we’re to meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes by 2029. These numbers show the pipeline is shrinking, not growing.” 

Master Builders has consistently called for: 

• A robust incentive system that reduces the risk for employers taking on apprentices. 

• Stronger support structures to help apprentices stay the course and complete their training. 

• Practical reforms to lift productivity and streamline training pathways. 

“Labour shortages are the single biggest handbrake on delivering the homes and infrastructure Australians need. We need government to work with industry to reduce the cost and friction of employing an apprentice and to ensure every apprentice has the best chance of success,” Ms Wawn said. 

Media: Dee Zegarac, National Director, External Affairs and Engagement
0400 493 071 | dee.zegarac@masterbuilders.com.au