The Master Plumbers Association of NSW (MPA NSW) has called for urgent action by both Federal and State governments to address the critical shortage of skilled tradespeople in Australia by investing in infrastructure funding for not-for-profit trade schools.

MPA NSW’s appeal comes amidst growing concerns regarding the Albanese government’s fee-free TAFE initiative's effectiveness and impact on nationwide apprenticeship numbers. This scheme primarily targets the construction sector, which is facing considerable challenges in achieving its goal of building 1.2 million new homes by 2029, mainly due to a lack of skilled workers.

Though the fee-free TAFE scheme has had a significant investment of $1.5 billion, recent data from the National Centre for Vocational Education and Training reveals a worrying decline of 27,000 in apprenticeship and trainee numbers over the past year.

However, MPA NSW believes the fee-free TAFE initiative is not enough to resolve the skills shortage; investing in not-for-profit trade schools is vital to meet the future workforce needs of Australia's trade sector.

“Our not-for-profit Registered Training Organisation plays a crucial role in equipping aspiring tradies with the essential skills,” said MPA NSW CEO Nathaniel Smith. “Without significant investment, we cannot train enough workers to avert this looming skills crisis. For decades, trades in our country have been overlooked and undervalued. Now, it's time to reckon with the consequences of this neglect.”

Master Builders Australia and other industry bodies have also expressed similar concerns, and warn that committing fee-free TAFE to legislation without substantial supporting data could undermine the training market and fail to produce the desired outcomes.

MPA NSW advocates for a collaborative approach involving government and industry stakeholders to develop a holistic solution to Australia’s skills crisis.

Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and deputy CEO of Master Builders Australia, Shaun Schmitke, have called for targeted strategies to promote trade diversity and enhance the apprenticeship pipeline. According to MPA NSW, the 13.3% decline in female apprenticeships underscores the urgent need for inclusive policies.

“The future of our trade industry and the wider economy depends on prompt action,” Smith concluded. “We must expand our training capabilities to tackle the national skills shortage and cultivate a robust pipeline of skilled tradies. The clock is ticking, and our economy cannot afford further delays.”

Image: Plumbers at work / Envato

Branko Miletic

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