More homegrown apprentices for Victoria

New data released to mark six months of the Federal Government program shows strong early momentum across the state, with apprentices and employers embracing the opportunity to grow trades capability and boost housing supply.

Statistics snapshot

In Victoria there have been 3,415 housing construction apprentice commencements in the first six months of the Key Apprenticeship Program (1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025), delivered across 2,598 employers.

Of those commencements:

• 1,463 apprentices (42.8 per cent) were aged 19 and under, highlighting strong take up among young people entering the trades.
• 2,443 commencements (71.5 per cent) occurred in Greater Melbourne and Geelong
• 967 commencements (28.3 per cent) recorded across regional Victoria, underscoring statewide demand.

The most popular trades under the program reflect the skills most critical to housing construction:

• Carpenters and joiners – 1,102 commencements (32.3 per cent)
• Plumbers – 953 commencements (27.9 per cent)
• Electrical trades workers – 659 commencements (19.3 per cent)
• Horticultural trades workers – 170 commencements (5 per cent)
• Glaziers, plasterers and tilers – 98 commencements (2.9 per cent).

The Key Apprenticeship Program has been designed to help apprentices start and finish training in the skills needed to build more homes. Eligible apprentices receive up to $10,000 in incentive payments. Employers also benefit, with businesses able to claim up to $5,000 in the first year when they take on an apprentice under the program.

Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said: “Six months into the Key Apprenticeship Program it’s great to see so many Victorians taking up the tools to help us build more homes,” he said.

Supporting apprentices and employers to succeed

Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) plays a key role in helping apprentices and employers navigate the apprenticeship system and make the most of available incentives and supports.

From sign up to completion, ASA provides free, practical support to apprentices and businesses across Victoria, helping employers build their workforce and supporting apprentices to stay on track, overcome challenges and finish their training.

Find out how ASA can support apprentices and employers in your industry.