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18 December 2025
Following the release of the latest National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data, Master Builders Australia (MBA) has continued its calls for more support for apprenticeships.
The NCVER 2025 June quarter update showed that new construction apprentice starts fell 26.7 per cent compared with the June 2024 quarter, while completions rose 36.3 per cent, with 6,550 apprentices successfully finishing in the June 2025 quarter.
MBA CEO, Denita Wawn said increasing commencements and shoring up retentions is where efforts need to be focused.
“The completion figures are headed in the right direction with withdrawals also edging down 2.2 per cent, however 7,571 apprentices still left without a qualification, exceeding the number who completed.
“The sharp fall in new starts and the 8.3 per cent drop in apprentices in training show that the construction apprentice pipeline is shrinking, which will worsen already acute skills shortages. We must turn this around if we are to plug the 100,000-worker gap holding Australia back from meeting the National Housing Accord,
“The recent extension of employer incentives for apprentices until December 2026 was a good step however, more is needed to get more boots on and shovels in the ground.
“This involves extending incentives past December 2026, more VET programs in schools and greater support for skilled migration through a dedicated construction pathway and priority processing including piloting a building and construction stream within the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme.
“Further tackling the university bias will also lead to better outcomes ensuring high school students have access to balanced information to help them make informed decisions about their future careers.
“MBA looks forward to continuing our advocacy and working with the Government to ensure building and construction businesses have the workers they need now and into the future,” concluded Ms Wawn.
Media contact: Dylan Hafey, Media Advisor
0497 330 064 | dylan.hafey@masterbuilders.com.au