Open accessibility guideSkip to sections navigationSkip to contentSkip to footerThe Sydney Morning Herald logoThe Sydney Morning Herald logoAdvertisementNationalMore than 30,000 new apprentices are on the tools, but the industry warns that won't be enough to stop the rising cost of construction.Updated July 12, 2026 — 6:52pm,first published 6:48pmLoadingLatest in VideosVideo icon2:01Adelaide family target of antisemitic attackVideo icon1:05Cotter levels the scores in BrookvaleVideo icon3:10US and Iran trade fresh blowsVideo icon0:59BREAKING: Police hunt man after attempted murder of Sydney pensionerAdvertisementThe Sydney Morning Herald logoTwitterFacebookInstagramRSSOur SitesThe Sydney Morning HeraldThe AgeBrisbane TimesWAtodayThe Australian Financial Reviewnine.com.auDriveClassifiedsTributesPlace your adThe Sydney Morning HeraldContact & supportAdvertise with usNewslettersAccessibility guideSitemapPhoto salesPurchase front pagesContent licensingWork with usTerms of usePrivacy policyPress CouncilCharter of Editorial IndependenceAI Editorial GuidelinesProducts & ServicesSubscription packagesMy accountSubscriber FAQsDelivery statusToday’s PaperGood Food GuideDaily PuzzlesCopyright © 2026Subscribe