DBrief Podcast by Australian Industry Group
DBrief, the Australian Industry Group podcast, is for business operators keen to understand the connection between their own enterprise and the broader issues of industry development and policy and new government regulations.
Via an engaging and informal interview format, DBrief investigates:
• what is happening in industry policy, and what it means;
• where these issues are going and what you need to know and
• what you need to think about and learn in order to stay abreast of — or even ahead of — emerging issues and developments.
Tune in to stay ahead of changes and market movements and be better prepared for digitalisation, decarbonisation and diversification in your business and market sector.
DBrief Podcast by Australian Industry Group
Training talent and attracting skills - where will Australia’s workers come from?
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In this episode of DBrief, Louise McGrath speaks with Kristian Stratton from Australian Industry Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre about one of the biggest challenges facing Australian industry: finding the workers needed to support growth, infrastructure, manufacturing and essential services.
The conversation examines two critical parts of the workforce equation. First, Louise and Kristian discuss the role of apprenticeships, drawing on the Australian Industry Group’s Apprentice and Trainee Centre, which has employed and supported apprentices for more than six decades. They explore the benefits of the group training model, the importance of mentoring and pastoral care, and the barriers that are contributing to declining apprenticeship commencements.
The discussion then turns to Australia's skilled migration system and its role in addressing immediate workforce shortages. Louise and Kristian consider the economic contribution of skilled migrants, the sectors experiencing the most acute shortages, and why migration and domestic training work best as complementary solutions rather than competing priorities.
From housing and healthcare to defence and manufacturing, the episode highlights why long-term workforce planning will require both stronger apprenticeship pathways and a more efficient skilled migration system.
Key takeaways
- The Australian Industry Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre employs apprentices directly and supports businesses through recruitment, training coordination, mentoring and pastoral care.
- Apprenticeship commencements have declined significantly, with employer costs, administrative complexity and changes to incentive programs contributing to weaker participation.
- Large employers play a critical role in apprenticeship training, particularly for underrepresented groups, yet recent policy changes have reduced available incentives.
- Defence, manufacturing, construction and infrastructure projects are expected to drive substantial future demand for skilled trades.
- Skilled migrants have high workforce participation rates and make a significant economic contribution to Australia.
- Construction, healthcare, engineering and manufacturing continue to face major workforce shortages that cannot be met through domestic training alone.
- Long visa processing times and slow recognition of overseas qualifications remain significant barriers to attracting skilled workers.
- Workforce challenges require both increased investment in apprenticeships and a more effective skilled migration system, rather than treating the two as competing solutions.
Links mentioned in this podcast episode:
- Australian Industry Group Apprentice and Trainee Centre - Be part of the real action
- Submission: Inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia | Australian Industry Group
Contact the Industry Development & Policy team here.
