Architectural skills training needs support
The Australian Government’s latest federal budget disappointingly overlooks a critical gap in the nation’s skills and education strategy – support for professions like architecture. While significant funding has been allocated to vocational training and apprenticeships in other sectors, architecture and similar knowledge-based professions are left out, despite the increasing burden placed on employers to bridge the gap between university education and professional competency.
Unlike trades and other regulated professions, architecture firms bear the majority of the responsibility for training graduates, mentoring them through the registration process, and equipping them with the practical skills needed to meet industry standards. This comes at a significant cost to employers, particularly small and medium-sized practices, which make up the majority of the sector. Without targeted support, there is a risk that this model will become unsustainable, affecting the pipeline of future architects and, ultimately, Australia’s built environment.
The architecture profession is essential to shaping sustainable, resilient and high-quality urban spaces. Without government investment in structured training programs, wage subsidies or incentives for professional mentorship, the burden of preparing the next generation of architects falls entirely on businesses that are already managing economic pressures.
If the government is serious about addressing skills shortages, workforce development, and the future of Australia’s cities, it must broaden its education and training funding beyond traditional trade apprenticeships to include knowledge-based professions like architecture. The ACA is ready to work with policymakers to create a fairer, more sustainable training system – but it needs the government to step up and play its part.