What Challenges Are Carpenters Facing on Site in 2025

Carpentry remains one of the most critical trades in the construction industry, but the job is not getting any easier. From labour shortages and rising costs to new technologies and sustainability pressures, carpenters today are navigating a complex and fast changing landscape.

Recent industry data, including the 2025 Carpentry Industry Trends and Outlook by Workyard, highlights a mix of long term and emerging challenges that are shaping how Aussie carpenters work and what is expected of them on site.

Labour Shortages and the Skills Gap

A major hurdle for the trade is the ongoing shortage of skilled workers. While the situation has eased slightly since 2021, a significant number of builders are still reporting gaps, especially in finished carpentry. With a large portion of the workforce edging closer to retirement and not enough new entrants coming through, the trade is feeling the pressure.

At the same time, carpentry is evolving. It now demands skills in new tools, systems and technologies, meaning that even experienced workers need ongoing support to stay ahead.

Rising Costs and Project Delays

Cost blowouts and delays remain common across the construction industry. Poor planning, supply chain disruptions and rising material costs all play a part. A recent McKinsey study showed that almost every large project ends up over budget or behind schedule, often both. Carpenters are on the front line of this, trying to manage changing timelines and expectations while still delivering quality work.

To stay competitive and protect profit margins, many carpentry businesses are working hard to improve how they plan, price and deliver projects.

Economic Pressures

The broader construction industry is starting to feel the pinch of economic uncertainty. After a strong 2023, the outlook is softening, with higher interest rates and inflation making it harder for businesses to secure work and access finance. This flow on effect means smaller carpentry businesses in particular are having to work harder to keep things steady.

Growing Expectations Around Sustainability

Sustainability is no longer a niche concern. Clients, developers and regulators are looking for building practices that meet green standards and make use of renewable or low impact materials. For many carpenters, this creates an opportunity to grow and innovate, but it also adds to the learning curve, with new products, processes and compliance requirements to keep up with.

How Carpentry Australia Is Supporting the Trade

Carpentry Australia exists to stand behind the trade and support carpenters to thrive, even when the landscape is shifting. Our work focuses on making sure carpenters are equipped to take on what is next by:

• Providing training and upskilling opportunities, especially in areas like sustainable construction and new building methods
• Promoting licensing and compliance so that carpenters are recognised for doing the job properly
• Advocating for the trade at government and industry levels, including around procurement, safety and workforce needs
• Connecting carpenters to job opportunities, apprenticeships and each other through our national network

 This kind of support helps make sure the carpentry industry stays strong and future ready, even in challenging times.

Looking After the Whole Tradie

Carpenters are part of a much broader tradie community, one that faces its own set of shared pressures, from mental health and physical strain to long hours and job security.

That is why we also back initiatives that support the wellbeing of tradies on and off the tools, including:

• Health and safety programs built around on site risks
• Mental health support tailored for people working in physical, high pressure environments
• Business mentoring and financial guidance

 When we support our carpenters in a real and practical way, we strengthen the entire industry and the communities it helps build.