More than 100 people and 10 employers attended a Master Builders ACT Careers in Carpentry event last week, which aims to recruit carpentry apprentices to address skills shortages in the ACT construction sector.  

Master Builders ACT CEO, Michael Hopkins said skills shortages was “one of the biggest issues facing the local building and construction industry right now”.  

“Our members, and the industry more broadly, are crying out for skilled workers to ensure the high volume of work they’re undertaking can be fulfilled,” Mr Hopkins said.  

“Occupation data for June showed that 34 construction occupations had higher than average job ad increases. From this data, we can see that job advertisements for carpenters and joiners were up 80.8 per cent on the industry’s 10-year average.” 

“Demand for skilled workers in the building and construction industry has never been higher and, as a result, the industry is responding by offering better conditions and higher wages for construction workers,” he said. 

“We were pleased to see an increase in female attendees looking to join the construction industry as we continue to promote women in construction and the fulfilling career path this occupation can lead to.

“There’s never been a better time to join the industry and create a career with good progression and outcomes, and a salary to match,” Mr Hopkins said.   

He invited those interested in a career in carpentry to contact Master Builders ACT via www.mba.org.au or to call 6175 5900.

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