ACT faces 1100-worker construction shortfall by 2035
Master Builders warns ACT needs 1770 extra construction workers by 2035 to meet demand.
The ACT's building and construction sector faces a skills crisis. Master Builders Australia's data shows the territory will fall more than 1100 workers short by 2035 without action.
The ACT needs 1770 extra construction workers by then. New apprenticeship starts dropped 11.7 percent in March 2026 to just 301.
Every construction trade in the ACT is now in shortage. CEO Anna Neelagama warned about this.
Without urgent investment and practical measures like completion incentives and better supervision, the shortfall will worsen.
- 1770
- Workers needed by 2035
- 1100+
- Projected shortfall
- 301
- March 2026 apprenticeship starts
- 9.7 percent to 521
- Apprenticeship completions rise
Why it mattersHousing and infrastructure projects rely on skilled workers. The shortage threatens the ACT's ability to deliver new homes and public infrastructure.
AustraliaCanberra residents may face higher construction costs and delays on new housing and infrastructure projects. Job seekers in the building trades have strong demand but support is needed to train new apprentices.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 d ago
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