Bundaberg set to be thriving with skilled tradies & how we have a bright future

It’s been a tough few years for Bundaberg builders, but we’re pleased to see positive changes in the construction industry both close to home and across the nation. Here are three positive changes that herald a bright future for construction in Bundaberg and beyond. 

Disrupting norms in Australian construction

Held in May 2023, the theme of this year’s Future of Construction Summit was “FCON disrupted”. The topic came about as a result of The Australian Constructors Association’s 2023 report, Disrupt or Die, which addresses some of the most prominent issues in the Australian construction industry at the moment.

The premise of the report, and of FCON’s 2023 summit, is that in order for the building industry to thrive, we need to disrupt standard ways of operating and innovate new practices for the future. 

The Summit hosted a range of experts and up-and-coming leaders in the construction space who offered insights and suggestions on improvements in our field. Key issues discussed include:

• Closing the productivity gap between construction and other industries
• Increasing diversity amongst construction workers, particularly female tradies
• Improving flexibility for construction workers with work-from-home models where appropriate

As part of the Summit, the Australian Constructors Association pledged to “improve the culture of the construction industry by embedding flexibility on all member projects, achieving the WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation across 75 percent of members by 2028, and attracting a new wave of talent to sustain the industry.” These goals and improvements are sure to have a big impact on the building industry over the next five years and beyond, and we can’t wait to see them. 

Positive additions to the 2023 Federal Budget

In more national good news, the 2023 Federal Budget includes funding to establish a new national construction forum. Designed for industry leaders to make suggestions to the Government on improvements to construction in Australia, the National Industry Construction Forum (NICF) will bring together industry stakeholders including employers, contractors, and employees to discuss challenges in the building industry.

Together with parliamentary Ministers, those appointed to the Forum will have the opportunity to talk through possible avenues to improve the construction industry, and will then advise the Federal Government on how issues such as workplace relations, culture, training, gender equity, and productivity can be addressed. 

New funding connects students to trades in Bundaberg

Closer to home, we’re excited to see the establishment of a new $20 million facility that will connect local students with trades-based careers. Based at Kepnock State High School, the new centre will include an industrial design and technology facility, wood and metal workshops for the junior school, and senior workshops for furnishings and engineering.

This exciting new facility will give students the opportunity to take courses previously unavailable, giving them the chance to learn valuable new skills and prepare for future trades-based jobs if they wish. 

With almost 50% of Bundaberg locals working in trade and manufacturing industries, many school leavers go straight into building jobs or similar. Learning hands-on skills while still at school gives students a step-up when they’re ready to join the workforce, while hopefully also igniting their passion for the industry. Bundaberg builders also hope that encouraging teens into construction will help alleviate the current skills shortage and ensure the building industry continues to thrive in our region.

While there are sure to be trials still ahead, we’re thrilled that these new developments will benefit the local building community and the construction industry across Australia. With Bundaberg home builders thriving, now’s the perfect time to invest in your new home. Contact us today to discuss your dream house and how we can make it a reality.