We were recognised by the NSW Government for our contribution to addressing the construction industry’s growing skills shortage – an acknowledgement that reflects the commitment of our team in shaping the future of the industry.
On February 14, we were presented with a Community Recognition Certificate by the NSW Premier, Chris Minns following formal acknowledgment in Parliament late last year. This recognition highlights the sustained effort behind our work with education providers, industry bodies and local schools to create meaningful pathways into specialist trades such as joinery and wood machining.
For an industry facing unprecedented workforce challenges, this acknowledgement reinforces the importance of proactive, collaborative approaches – not just for individual businesses, but for the long-term resilience of Australian construction.
The skills shortage facing construction is well documented, but its impact is particularly acute in specialist trades. Joinery and wood machining – essential to the delivery of high-performance, sustainable buildings – have seen talent pipelines narrow significantly in recent years.
Rather than viewing this as a short-term recruitment issue, we recognised the need for a longer-term response: one that focused on awareness, education and early engagement. The aim was not simply to meet our own workforce needs, but to help rebuild visibility and confidence in trades that underpin quality construction outcomes.
Through partnerships with Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP), TAFE NSW and local schools, we have supported initiatives that introduce students to modern manufacturing environments, contemporary timber technologies and viable career pathways beyond more commonly promoted trades or tertiary pathways.
These programs focus on exposure, practical experience and mentoring – helping students, families and educators better understand the role our trades play in today’s built environment. Importantly, they also challenge outdated perceptions of manufacturing by highlighting the technical, sustainable and design-led nature of modern timber window and door production.
The result has been a steady growth in apprentice intake, including school-based apprentices, supported by a workplace culture committed to training, mentoring and knowledge transfer.
The commendation from the NSW Premier is a moment of pride for the entire NICCO team. It recognises not only the outcomes – including the successful recruitment and training of apprentices – but also the willingness of our people to contribute time, expertise and mentorship beyond their day-to-day roles.
From hosting students on site to supporting training initiatives and working alongside education partners, this effort has been embedded across the business.
While the impact on NICCO has been tangible, the broader response from the industry has been equally encouraging. By openly sharing our experiences, we’ve seen growing interest from peers looking to replicate similar programs in their own regions.
Addressing the skills shortage requires collective action – manufacturers, educators, industry bodies and government working together to rebuild pathways into critical trades.
