Canberra apprenticeships hit a brick wall in the middle of construction boom

Canberra's booming construction sector is facing a critical shortage of bricklayers, with only seven apprentices currently in training. This alarming figure, well below required levels, threatens the future of the trade and the ability to meet housing demand, according to industry experts.

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That's alarming, and well below the level required.

Geordan Murray, executive director for the Housing Industry Association in the ACT and Southern NSW, highlighted the stark contrast between workforce growth and apprentice numbers. "There's been an increase of 10 per cent in the construction workforce but over that time there's been a drop in apprentices by 20 per cent," Murray stated.

Daniel Swan, founder of Swan Bricklaying and a third-generation bricklayer, described the difficulty in attracting and retaining young talent. He noted that many current bricklayers are over 40, creating a significant age gap. "It's definitely hard to get hold of people," Swan said, adding that younger individuals often struggle with the physical demands and pressure of the job.

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There's been an increase of 10 per cent in the construction workforce but over that time there's been a drop in apprentices by 20 per cent.

Despite the challenges, third-year apprentice Jacob Nayler finds the work rewarding. "It's tough on your body, it's hard work, but it's good, it's really rewarding," Nayler shared. However, his own apprenticeship has been challenging, involving time spent on laboring rather than skill development, which he believes hinders proper training.

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It's definitely hard to get hold of people.

Bricklaying trainer Lynne Sheffield has been attempting to address the apprentice shortage for two decades, underscoring the long-standing nature of the issue.

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It's tough on your body, it's hard work, but it's good, it's really rewarding.