Critical construction worker shortage gets a boost
Construction Industry
Construction Skills Queensland has launched its 2025–26 Annual Training Plan, committing $60m in workforce development initiatives to help tackle the intensifying skills challenge facing the Queensland construction industry.
The funding represents an $8m increase from last year’s funding, reflecting the scale and urgency of demand forecast in CSQ’s landmark Horizon 2032: Imagining Queensland’s Future Construction Workforce report.
It comes as builders in the Douglas Shire say trades shortages across the state, but particularly in Far North Queensland make for serious challenges for projects, including managing deadlines and delays.
CSQ chief executive Geoff Clare said this unprecedented investment will boost the capability and agility of Queensland’s construction workforce in response to an era-defining boom.
“Queensland has a robust construction pipeline, driven by strong population growth, record investment in public infrastructure and the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Games,” Mr Clare said.
“Without urgent and strategic investment in skills and training, workforce shortages will continue to challenge project delivery.”
The Horizon 2032 report projects Queensland’s construction activity will climb from $53 billion in 2024–25 to a staggering $77 billion by 2026–27 — a 45 per cent increase in just two years. Workforce demand is expected to outpace supply, with a peak shortfall of 50,000 workers anticipated in 2026–27.
CSQ’s 2025–26 Training Plan directly responds to these challenges by expanding its suite of training and workforce support initiatives, including:
- Construction Pathways programs to attract new entrants and career changers
- Enhanced short course and licensing support for building and civil workers
- Greater access to training in regional and remote areas
- Targeted programs to increase female and diverse participation
- Initiatives to support healthy and safe worksites, including silicosis and asbestos risk mitigation
“The industry’s workforce challenges didn’t appear overnight and they won’t be solved overnight,” said Mr Clare.
“But this plan lays the foundation for long-term solutions — from strengthening career pathways to expanding training access and partnering across the sector.”
CSQ is also reaffirming its commitment to collaboration, working with government, unions, employers and training providers to strategically address workforce gaps, particularly in high-demand sectors such as energy, transport, housing and health.
“The construction work yet to be done will keep piling up if we don’t take bold action to attract, train and retain Queensland’s future workforce,” Mr Clare said.
“With this investment, CSQ is delivering the skills and support our industry needs — not just for today, but for the decade ahead.”
The 2025–26 Training Plan builds on CSQ’s strong track record of partnering with industry to ensure Queensland’s construction sector remains resilient, skilled, and future-ready.
Northern Building and Construction’s Will Verri, in the face of complaints from neighbouring accommodation operators to a Warner Street, Port Douglas, build project expressed the difficulty he faced securing tradesmen and contractors for such projects.
Mr Verri said he draws trades from Cairns and across the Tablelands, the lift installer for the project coming from Brisbane.
“I have to work, and our site managers have to work, to keep morale on site with the trades with up to 30 people on site at anytime,’’ he said.
“We love our local tradesmen but it is a desperate effort to ensure we have trades to be able to do this work and it is a constant effort to keep trades for the region.’’
Support public interest journalism
Help us to continue covering local stories that matter. Please consider supporting below.
