Mike is joined by Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, who welcomes the long-awaited Review into the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System, highlighting challenges in attracting and retaining apprentices, especially for SMEs.

The building and construction industry consists of over 445,000 businesses, 98% of which are small, with SMEs employing 95% of apprentices but only 60% of first-years.

Wawn stresses that labour shortages hinder addressing the housing crisis and that employing apprentices involves significant costs beyond wages.

A strong incentive system should ease the financial burden, especially in the first two years, ensuring employers aren’t solely responsible for the 50% who don’t complete their training. 

Master Builders urges the Federal Government to act swiftly on non-contentious recommendations.

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