The Federal Government will fail to achieve its national housing targets because of its decision to exclude civil trades from incentives in its newly announced Key Apprentices Program, Civil Contractors Federation Victoria said today.

CCF Victoria CEO Lisa Kinross today called on the Albanese Government to urgently rectify the exclusion of civil trades from its $10,000 apprentice completions scheme.

While the program represents a much-needed focus on addressing Australia’s skills shortage, the exclusion of civil construction trades signals further delays and consultation on workforce needs in critical sectors, putting the nation further behind on its housing and infrastructure targets.

“Critical ‘first trades’ such as plant operators, pipelayers, and trenchers make housing possible,” Ms Kinross said.

“In the same week the Federal Government announced $35.8 million funding for housing-enabling infrastructure projects in Victoria[i], it has ignored the apprentices in the trades that actually deliver that critical primary infrastructure.

“It’s like trying to drive forward with the handbrake on. The new apprenticeship incentives exclude civil apprentices who operate excavators, clear and prepare lots for subdivisions, and connect the critical power, water, and sewer infrastructure every housing development depends on.

“In Victoria, we’re already building 19,800 fewer homes than in 2022[ii], and unless this omission is urgently addressed, the situation will only worsen.”

Despite infrastructure being identified as a key area of shortage in today’s Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System – Final Report[iii], the Government must ensure civil trades are also funded – or the housing delivery will be challenged.

This apparent omission, whilst potentially unintended, directly contradicts the findings of the report and undermines the critical role that civil trades play in delivering the infrastructure necessary to support housing and economic growth. Without prioritising civil trades, the Government risks further delays in addressing Australia’s housing and infrastructure challenges.

“Every time you use the roads and footpaths to get to and from your home, every time you turn on the tap for a drink of water, turn on a light, use pipeline gas or connect to your home broadband, homeowners are relying on the civil trades that delivered the infrastructure before their home was built,” Ms Kinross said.

“Civil construction enables all essential services like subdivisions, roads, sewerage, and water. Without a skilled civil workforce, the housing sector simply cannot function.

“The longer we delay investing in these trades, the further we fall behind on delivering the infrastructure and housing Victorians desperately need.

“It’s contradictory for the Government to announce such significant funding for critical infrastructure while refusing to prioritise the skills necessary to deliver these projects. Kicking the can down the road on civil trades would be a glaring oversight.

“Of course we welcome the Commonwealth’s recent $35.8 million funding announcement for new housing enabling infrastructure, but civil construction must be included upfront – nothing in housing or the energy transition can happen without the enabling civil infrastructure first.”


[i] https://www.ccfvic.com.au/ccf-welcomes-federal-investment-in-enabling-infrastructure/

[ii] ABS Building Activity (Sept 2024 quarter) statistics, released 22 January 2025

[iii] https://www.dewr.gov.au/download/16795/strategic-review-australian-apprenticeship-incentive-system-final-report/39422/strategic-review-australian-apprenticeship-incentive-system-final-report/pdf