The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the Australian Government's decision to extend financial incentives for employers who engage new apprentices in housing and new energy.
Employers will continue to receive $5,000 for engaging apprentices in Key Apprenticeship Program priority occupations for an additional year, while apprentices will continue to receive $10,000.
Property Council Group Executive Policy and Advocacy Matthew Kandelaars said in the middle of a skills shortage, investing in the people to build the homes we need is a common-sense move.
"It is no secret that the housing and construction industries are afflicted by a crippling skills shortage.
"Without more boots on the ground, we will not be able to reach our ambitious Housing Accord target.
"This targeted support will help shore up a strong pipeline of skilled apprentices and get us closer to our housing goals.
"However, with over 100,000 workers needed to meet the demand for housing, we need to complement our vocational and skills training with appropriate skilled migration.
"Fewer than two in every 100 migrants coming to Australia have a construction trade. We need a system that prioritises skilled migration as a proportion of our overall intake to build more homes."
