SHORT ON TRADIES

GEELONG is facing a trades shortage despite a building approvals boom in the city, leading industry figures say.

Builders say the industry is facing low retention rates of apprentices, with an education in the trades being seen as secondary to a university degree.

Geelong construction company Little Constructions director Mark Little said there was “definitely a trades shortage” in Geelong.

“I have heard this boom could be a lot more if people could get the (workers),” Mr Little said.

“We don’t employ apprentices directly, however, our sub-contractors do … (the) retention rate is pretty low. A lot of them will start an apprenticeship then change.

“I’m not sure whether it’s a social issue – to be an apprentice on a trade site you’ve got to do a bit of hard work. I think a lot of kids these days … they struggle.”

Master Builders Victoria CEO Radley de Silva said the state was facing “a serious trades shortage”, owing to the huge demand for building and the fact that there had been a drop-off in the number of people pursuing careers in the building and construction industry.

“There is plenty of work available, with no better time to pursue a career in the building trades,” Mr de Silva said.

“Geelong has experienced especially strong growth, with building approvals increasing by almost one-third over the second quarter of 2018.

“Master Builders is actively lobbying the State Govern- ment to support programs that highlight the substantial rewards of building careers.

“We see a need for targeted training in some particular skills, such as specific short courses for waterproofing and concreting, and we are encouraging the government to look at agile training opportunities.”

Mr de Silva said that “for too long, an education in the trades has been regarded as secondary to a university degree”.

Geelong data, provided to the Addy by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, showed completion of construction trades apprentice and traineeships dropped slightly — from 220 in the 12 months to March 31, 2017, to about 205 in the 12 months to March 31 this year. Commencments dropped slightly, from about 530 to about 525.

Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney said the State Government was rebuilding the TAFE sector “so all Victorians have access to the skills they need to get a job”.

“We’re making record investments to support Victorian TAFEs to provide relevant