Construction apprentice numbers hit a five-year low, with fewer than 106,000 in training at the end of 2025.

Press PLAY to hear about the concerning decline in construction apprenticeships

Master Builders Australia National Director of Policy Melissa Byrne told 6PR Drive host Jamie Burnett that this decline is alarming, noting that the building sector requires 115,000 additional workers to reach the Federal Government’s 2029 target to build 1.2 million homes.

“It’s very concerning, and the federal government, from our perspective, isn’t doing a lot to support the workforce skills that we need”, she said.

Hear more highlights below and download the 6PR app on iOS or Android to ensure you don’t miss a thing!

Image: iStock