More than 32,000 apprentices have been backed by the Albanese Government's Key Apprenticeship Program, as the housing construction stream of the Program marks its first full year.
The latest data shows the Program is delivering what it set out to do, building a strong pipeline of trade skills to build more homes in communities across Australia.
Apprentices receive $10,000 for a full-time apprenticeship under the scheme, with $2,000 provided at six, 12, 24 and 36 months, and on completion of their apprenticeship, while their employer also benefits from incentives.
Data from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations shows in the first year of the Program:
- 32,563 apprentices are now progressing through their training in housing construction;
- the overwhelming number of apprenticeships, almost 85 per cent, are with small businesses;
- 50 per cent of apprentices in the Program are aged 19 years and under, backing strong career pipelines for young Australians;
- the top housing construction apprenticeships are:
- carpenters and joiners - 11,603 or 35.5 per cent of commencements, followed by
- plumbers - 6,725 or 20.6 per cent of commencements
- electricians - 6,295 or 19.3 per cent of commencements.
The take up is strong across Australia, with 32.3 per cent of apprenticeships under the Program occurring in regional and remote communities.
The program has also resulted in 1,522 women taking up apprenticeships in traditionally male-dominated trades, representing 4.7 per cent of apprentices in the Program.
Among them is Caitlin Young from the Illawarra, who began a carpentry apprenticeship with Eden Brae Homes in January this year.
Caitlin said the initial $2,000 payment would help her build her tool kit and support her with the cost of transport to and from work. Caitlyn's employer is also eligible for the Key Apprenticeship Program Employer Incentive, providing them with up to $5,000 over the first year of the apprenticeship.
The Albanese Government is continuing to back apprentices and employers through the Key Apprenticeship Program, with the 2026-27 Budget locking in the Program until 2029, including targeted incentives from 2027 for small and medium-sized businesses and Group Training Organisations.
Visit www.apprenticeships.gov.au to learn more about the Program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"We're delivering targeted incentives focused on the skills we need most, ensuring apprentices have the cost-of-living support they need to start and most importantly finish their apprenticeship.
"This latest data is proof the Key Apprenticeship Program is driving growth in the housing construction workforce, with more small businesses, women and young people entering the sector and building long-term, rewarding careers.
"Shamefully, while the three right wing parties talk a big game, they have failed to back the Key Apprenticeship Program. The only comments on record come from the Shadow Minister, who called it 'wrong' and 'throwing good money after bad money'. Angus Taylor needs to come clean on whether his Coalition backs this Program, or has it on his cuts list."
BACKGROUND
Apprenticeship commencements under the Key Apprenticeship Program housing construction stream (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026), by state and territory:
- New South Wales - 9,649
- Victoria - 9,291
- Queensland - 7,422
- Western Australia - 3,109
- South Australia - 1,803
- Tasmania - 754
- Australian Capital Territory - 427
- Northern Territory - 209
