April 26, 2011 – An industry group says that in spite of a slowdown in housing sector activity, skilled labor in the home builders industry continued to be in short supply in the March quarter period.
According to the Housing Industry Association (HIA) – Austral Bricks trades report released just last week, it showed that in the March quarter period, six of the 13 housing trades were under-supplied.
However, in the December quarter, eight out of the 13 trades reported under-supply of labor.
Nick Proud, the HIA executive director, industry workforce development, said that the shortage of skilled labor meant there was a short supply of labor that will construct new dwellings in order to meet the needs of a growing population.
Mr. Proud further stated that a diminished employer confidence today would leave the housing industry restricted down the track when workforce ageing, resource sector factors, and recovering housing activity creates renewed demand for skills.
With this development, Mr. Proud called on the federal government to help increase investment in skills and training in the industry.
Mr. Proud added that HIA calls on the government to consider a choice of policy options, including consolidating apprentice incentives that are mainly focused on helping employers to sign on apprentices and keep them on to completion.
Harley Dale, HIA chief economist, stated that out of the eight year history of the trades report there had been only one quarter wherein the housing industry had avoided a shortage of skilled labor.
Dr. Dale said that in times of weak housing conditions, such as we are currently facing, apprentice commencements are threatened and there is a tendency for government investment and policy reform to freeze or be wound back.
Dr. Dale further added that now is exactly the time when accelerated investment in skills and training is most appropriate.
