Australia’s peak industry body for the Australian Fencing and Gate Industry, Fencing Industry Australia (FIA) is calling for urgent action to introduce nationally recognised qualifications for the fencing and gate sector, as the industry faces mounting pressure from labour shortages, inconsistent training, and safety concerns.
Despite being a vital part of the built environment, spanning residential, rural and commercial applications, the fencing and gate industry remains without a formal training and qualification framework. This lack of recognition continues to undermine workforce development, deter new entrants, and restrict long-term career opportunities for skilled workers.
“Fencing is one of the few trades in the construction sector without a national qualification pathway,” said Steve Mazur, Executive Officer of Fencing Industry Australia. “We have an industry that contributes significantly to infrastructure, safety, and amenity across the country, but our workers don’t yet have access to formal training that reflects their expertise.”
To address this issue, FIA has developed the Fencing Industry Skills Pathway Initiative, an industry-led effort to create fit-for-purpose qualifications that reflect the realities of modern fencing. The initiative emphasises job-ready, hands-on skills aligned with the needs of contractors and employers.
A key milestone has been the introduction of the nationally recognised Agriculture and Rural Fencing Skill Set (AHCSS00191), which provides formal training in fencing installation, electric fencing operations, and workplace health and safety. A successful pilot program run at TAFE NSW Orange (pictured) has already shown strong industry and student support for formalised skills development.
“With demand for skilled fencing professionals on the rise, we need government, training providers, and industry to work together to establish qualifications that set a national standard,” Mazur added. “This will not only improve safety and quality but also help us attract and retain the next generation of fencing professionals.”
FIA is calling on policymakers and stakeholders across the construction and training sectors to support the development of national fencing qualifications and ensure the industry is equipped to meet Australia’s future infrastructure needs.