Apprentice numbers on the rise in SA

Master Builders is calling for more tradies as the state’s strong demand for new buildings continues.

A strong demand for new buildings in the last two years has resulted in more apprentices picking up tools in the building construction industry.

Latest figures from Master Builders South Australia reveal the number of apprentices who have commenced work in the construction industry has gone up from 1225 in 2017 to 2495 at the end of September 2021.

The number of apprenticeships completed went up from 705 completions in 2018 to 920 in 2021, a 30 per cent increase in completions.

According to Master Builders SA chief executive Will Frogley the building construction industry is at its busiest and demand for new workforce is very high.

“The recent real estate boom and the HomeBuilder Grant have definitely been contributing factors but the building construction industry is busy right across the board, and that includes commercial building as well,” Mr Frogley said.

“We are always working on ways where we can increase long term trade base in SA. It’s key that we have the workforce to deliver the building jobs of the future. The increase in number of apprentices in construction is indeed a healthy sign,” he said.

With 20 vacancies currently for first year apprentices across a variety of trades, Master Builders SA is looking to roll out career nights as well as arrange for professionals from the industry to visits schools, sporting clubs etc in the coming months.

18-year-old Ben Jackson (left), a third generation apprentice carpenter, with his father Mike Jackson and grandfather David Jackson (centre). Picture Russell Millard.

Leading builder Hickinbotham Group’s chief executive Michael Hickinbotham said the increase in number of apprentices is well timed for the construction industry in SA.

“Apprentices are the backbone of the South Australian construction industry. This influx of new apprentices comes at a time when South Australia’s trades base is ageing, helping us meet demand for these valuable skills for generations to come,” Mr Hickinbotham said.

When it came to making a career choice, 18-year-old apprentice carpenter Ben Jackson was keen to follow in the footsteps of his father, Mike Jackson and grandfather, David Jackson.

He began a school-based apprenticeship two years ago and finished his SACE last month.

“Dad suggested I try out carpentry and so far, it’s been great,” Ben said.

“I’ve already learnt so much and enjoy working with dad. He has very high standards and wants everything we do to be perfect,” he said.

Mike, who has been working as a carpenter for 34 years, said he learnt the trade from his father. Now aged 91, David said the trade is vastly different to when he started in 1946.

“They’ve got machinery now for everything. Back in my day, all the work was done by hand using tools,” he said.