Association executive director Michael Kerschbaum said yesterday the commission's decision on Thursday could not have come at a worse time for the struggling industry, and could lead to apprentices being overlooked for more qualified labourers.

"The decision has some major ramifications, as generally, most apprentices are employed in the building sector," he said.

"You can't say this is a positive for the industry - for those who will get a bit of pay rise, it is, but the issue is about affordability and it's just going to create further disincentive to employ an apprentice."

Mr Kerschbaum said the decision could lead to a shortage of tradespeople in 20 years and the need for such skilled workers to come into Australia on 247 visas.

He also said it could lead to an increase in off-site manufacturing or modular-type constructions that were built in countries with cheap labour costs and then imported into Australia.

Mr Kerschbaum said the decision had meant it would be easier to take on a third or fourth-year apprentice or a fully qualified labourer, than take on a first-year apprentice who would be both monetarily and time costly.

He said if the industry was struggling to attract apprentices, the decision might make more sense but as it was, some companies were receiving around 100 applications for very few apprenticeship positions, if they could hire any at all.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Nick McKim launched the Australian School-based Apprenticeships, Smart Workforce Development: A Tasmanian Strategy to highlight education and career pathways for year 10, 11 and 12 students yesterday.

Mr McKim said this would help to keep students at school.

"School-based apprenticeships allow students to jump-start their careers by combining workplace skill development as a paid apprentice while they continue their studies," he said.

He said the new strategy would tie in with programs already under way in industries in the state such as transport and aquaculture.