More than 4,000 Australians have begun housing construction apprenticeships in the first two months of 2026 while being supported by $10,000 incentive payments under the Albanese Government's Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP).
In January and February alone 4,379 apprenticeship commencements occurred under the program's housing construction stream, with carpentry, plumbing and electrical all continuing to prove popular with apprentices.
Together with commencements since the program began in July 2025, 17,729 housing construction apprentices are now benefitting from the $10,000 incentive, which is targeted support to help apprentices start - and importantly finish - their apprenticeship in one of our most critical industries.
The initial results show a promising start to the Albanese Government's ongoing work in boosting the skilled workforce to build more homes for Australians.
The program provides financial support to help apprentices throughout their apprenticeship, while supporting employers to take on apprentices and grow the next generation of tradies.
Apprentices participating in the program receive $2,000 payments at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months and on completion of their apprenticeship, while employers of a KAP apprentice can claim up to $5,000 in the first year of the apprenticeship.
The top three commencements supported through the Housing Construction Apprenticeship (HCA) stream of the program have been carpenters and joiners (6,431), plumbers (3,680) and electrical trades workers (3,135).
One of those apprentices is Xander, who began his electrical apprenticeship in February and is working in the housing construction sector.
Xander said he was excited to become an apprentice because it offered hands-on work and strong career opportunities.
"You're doing different things every day. I don't think I could sit in an office. An apprenticeship gives you variety and the chance to grow," he said.
Xander said the incentive was "brilliant to give a head start to any apprentice".
"Ten grand helps you get started with tools and supports you as you begin your journey," he said.
From July 2025 to the end of February 2026, housing construction apprenticeship commencements under the program by state were:
- Victoria - 5,075
- New South Wales - 4,864
- Queensland - 3,999
- Western Australia - 2,018
- South Australia - 924
- Tasmania - 447
- Australian Capital Territory- 279
- Northern Territory - 123
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"Apprentices and their employers in the housing construction industry have made it clear: the Albanese Government's Key Apprenticeship Program is making a difference and building the pipeline of workers we need.
"We are already seeing strong early results, with more Australians choosing trade apprenticeships and gaining the skills our country needs now and into the future - particularly in building more homes for Australians.
"Labor backs the program. Apprentices and employers back the program. Industry groups like the HIA and Master Builders back the program. So why won't Angus Taylor come forward with a clear statement to demonstrate the Coalition's support for the Key Apprenticeship Program?"
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth:
"By supporting apprentices and employers, these incentives are helping people get started, stay in training and move into secure, well-paid jobs. That kind of support can make a real difference for someone starting out, and it is helping address skills shortages at the same time."
"It is encouraging to see so many Australians choosing apprenticeships and building careers through the Key Apprenticeship Program. It shows there is real interest in learning a trade and being part of building Australia's future.
"The Albanese Government continues to be focused on employment opportunities that work for workers and employers."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities, Clare O'Neil:
"After years of underinvestment in housing and skills under the Coalition, we're training more tradies so we can deliver more homes, faster - because that what's going to make housing more affordable."
