Federal ministers highlight apprenticeship support in SA construction push

Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth MP and Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles MP toured High Calibre Roofing and Guttering, meeting apprentices, trainers and industry support organisations involved in delivering trade pathways on the ground.

The visit follows the release of new national data showing more than 4,000 Australians commenced housing construction apprenticeships in January and February this year under the Federal Government’s Key Apprenticeship Program, bringing total commencements under the scheme to 17,729 since it began in July 2025. Around 900 of those apprentices are based in South Australia.

Ms Rishworth said getting more apprentices into construction, and supporting them to complete their training, was critical to meeting South Australia’s housing needs.

“We know that for every qualified tradesperson, about 2.4 homes can be delivered,” she said.

“That’s why we’re investing in apprentices through programs like the Key Apprenticeship Program and Free TAFE, to make sure the pipeline of skills is there to support housing delivery.”

The Key Apprenticeship Program provides apprentices in priority trades with up to $10,000 in incentive payments over the life of their apprenticeship, while employers can access up to $5,000 in support during the first year.

Kelly Richards, Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) South Australia State Manager, said the site visit demonstrated the importance of pairing financial incentives with hands on support for both apprentices and businesses.

“Supporting apprentices and supporting business must go hand in hand if we are serious about strengthening trade pathways and growing a skilled, sustainable workforce for the building and construction sector,” Ms Richards said.

“With the right support, apprentices can start, stay and complete their training, delivering real outcomes for industry, communities and housing supply across South Australia.”

ASA works with apprentices and employers across the state, while organisations such as TAPS help manage training arrangements and support to improve completion rates.

Ms Richards paid tribute to Luke Walsh from TAPS and host employer Brad Fulton from High Calibre Roofing and Guttering for demonstrating how strong employer engagement and quality training support apprentices’ success.

“It was also great to hear from first year apprentice Sam, whose drive and passion highlight the value of investing in the next generation of skilled roof plumbers,” she said.

Mr Fulton said the incentive payments were already easing financial pressure for apprentices in his business.

“Apprentices usually have to spend a lot out of their own pocket on tools early on,” he said.

“This support takes stress off them, keeps them focused on learning the trade, and helps businesses like mine grow and take on more work.”

The federal government says initiatives like the Key Apprenticeship Program, combined with employer engagement and specialist support organisations, will play a central role in addressing South Australia’s construction skills shortage and helping the state meet ambitious housing targets in the years ahead.

ASA works with apprentices and employers to help improve skills and industry outcomes in SA.