Victoria’s priorities to improve housing supply are reflected through initiatives such as the Big Housing Build launched in 2020 and the Housing Statement. Both require a skilled workforce, including many VET-qualified workers.
Since the launch of the Big Housing Build, the need for more homes has become an objective across all levels of government under the National Housing Accord. The focus on skills and workforce requirements for housing is also now recognised as a national priority under the NSA.7
Victoria already has an extensive pipeline of infrastructure projects, with a total of $208 billion in new and existing capital projects underway and many at the peak construction phase. 8
Tens of thousands of additional workers are required to deliver Victoria’s housing and infrastructure projects in the next decade including in construction and other industries, such as manufacturing. For example, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), such as the off-site production of prefabricated buildings and building components, can drive innovation and productivity in construction and are expected to affect skills needs in the construction industry.
In the broader construction sector, 162,900 new workers are expected to enter the labour market over the next 10 years, with most being in the construction services subdivision.
Occupations in demand in construction by industry subdivision
| Construction industry subdivisions | New workers expected 2024-34 | Occupations in demand | VET pathways into construction occupations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building construction (including residential building construction) | 52,300 | Construction managers Architectural, building and surveying technicians | Certificate IV in Building and Construction Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) |
| Carpenters and joiners | Certificate III in Carpentry Certificate III in Joinery | ||
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | 15,000 | Earthmoving plant operators | Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations |
| Metal fitters and machinists | Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade | ||
| Construction services | 95,600 | Electricians | Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician |
| Plumbers | Certificate III in Plumbing | ||
| Painting trades workers | Certificate III in Painting and Decorating | ||
| Construction | 162,900 |
Note: VET pathways into construction occupations were selected based on whether the qualification had a medium or higher training need for the associated occupation and on the number of enrolments.
Source: DJSIR and VSA modelling, 2024.
Updated