Australia’s building and construction industry continues to face growing workforce pressure, and traditional recruitment pathways alone are no longer enough to meet demand. At Carpentry Australia, we believe the solution lies in thinking more broadly about where we source talent and recognising that capability, commitment, and work ethic are not defined by background.
Through our involvement in Launch into Work programs delivered across Victoria and New South Wales, supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Carpentry Australia has supported individuals who may not have had a typical upbringing, stable schooling, or clear career pathways to successfully enter the construction industry.
These programs are delivered in partnership with high-quality registered training organisations, including Orange College in New South Wales and Swinburne University of Technology in Victoria. Together, we deliver programs that combine practical trade skills, essential employability and soft skills, and real on-site work experience, ensuring participants are genuinely job ready and supported by individual mentors throughout their journey.
The results speak for themselves. Over 50% of candidates who enter the program successfully transition into employment, many with Carpentry Australia member employers. Those who secure roles consistently demonstrate unmatched passion, strong reliability, and a clear commitment to building a long-term career in the industry. Employers regularly highlight the value these individuals bring, particularly their motivation and appreciation for the opportunity.
For employers, this highlights the importance of looking beyond traditional recruitment channels to access motivated, committed talent. For government, these outcomes demonstrate how targeted investment can deliver measurable employment results while strengthening an industry critical to Australia’s economic future.
Carpentry Australia’s mission is to build a better Australia by creating opportunity, supporting industry, and developing a skilled, resilient, and inclusive workforce.
