Choosing to become a tradie in Australia is an exciting and rewarding career path. Tradies play a vital role in various industries, from construction to automotive and beyond. If you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results, becoming a tradie could be your perfect fit.
Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to help you start your journey.
The Most Important Advice: Stick With It and Don’t Quit Becoming a tradie takes hard work, patience, and determination. The apprenticeship process, which can take up to four years, might feel long and challenging, but it’s worth every bit of effort. The truth is, most people quit too soon , but those who stay the course reap the rewards of a stable, in-demand career.
Australia is facing a growing shortage of qualified tradies, which means your skills will be in hot demand once you’re qualified. Employers are actively seeking reliable, skilled tradespeople, and sticking with your apprenticeship puts you in a prime position to benefit from this demand.
Remember, the hard work you put in today will set you up for a lifetime of success. Stay focused, push through the tough times, and you’ll soon find yourself in a rewarding career with endless opportunities. Don’t quit—you’ve got this!
Step 1: Choose Your Trade The first step to becoming a tradie is selecting a trade that matches your interests and strengths. With over 400 trades available in Australia, there's no shortage of options. Here’s how to narrow it down:
Evaluate Your Interests Think about activities you enjoy in your spare time.If you love fixing things, consider mechanics or electrical work. If you enjoy building or crafting, carpentry or construction might be ideal. Assess Your Skills Identify your strengths:Good at solving problems? Consider plumbing or electrical work. Physically strong or good with heavy tools? Look into welding or bricklaying. Research the Job Market Explore industries with high demand for tradies.Check job boards like Seek or Indeed to see which trades have plenty of opportunities. Consider Training Requirements Trades like electrical or plumbing require apprenticeships and certifications. Others, such as engineering, may need formal degrees. Factor in the time, cost, and effort required for training. Think About Long-Term Goals Are you aiming to start your own business, work independently, or be part of a larger team? Choose a trade with career progression opportunities aligned with your goals. Trades to Consider: Here are some trades in Australia:
Electrician ⚡ Plumber 🚰 Carpenter 🔨 Bricklayer 🧱 Painter 🎨 Welder 🔧 Mechanic 🚗 Heavy Equipment Operator 🚜 Landscaper 🌳 Roofing Specialist 🏠 Flooring Specialist 🪵 Cabinetmaker 🪚 Glazier 🪟 Tiler 🏢 Air Conditioning Technician ❄️ Locksmith 🔑 Fitter and Turner ⚙️ Sheet Metal Worker 🛠️ Scaffolder 🏗️ Concreter 🏗️ Stonemason 🪨 Signwriter ✍️ Refrigeration Mechanic 🧊 Boat Builder 🛥️ Upholsterer 🛋️ Pest Controller 🐛 Building Inspector 🏢 Plasterer 🏠 Gasfitter 🔥 Surveyor 📏 Each trade has specific skills, education requirements, and certifications.
Step 2: Find an Employer Once you've chosen a trade, the next step is securing an apprenticeship with an employer.
Where to Look Job boards like Seek and Indeed often list apprenticeship openings. Social media platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace or local community pages , can also be helpful. Visit trade businesses in your area and inquire directly. The Power of Networking Reach out to friends, family, or contacts who might know of apprenticeship opportunities. Attend local job fairs or trade expos to meet potential employers.
Step 3: Register as an Apprentice After finding an employer, you'll need to register your apprenticeship with the Australian government through the Australian Apprenticeships website .
What You'll Need Your personal details, trade information, and employer details. Many employers assist with this process to ensure everything is in order.
Step 4: Complete Your Apprenticeship Your apprenticeship combines practical on-the-job training with classroom learning through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
What to Expect Apprenticeships typically last 1–4 years, depending on the trade. You'll earn while you learn, receiving both real-world experience and formal education. Tips for Success Be proactive in learning from experienced tradies. Take your RTO studies seriously—they’ll provide foundational knowledge you’ll use daily.
Step 5: Earn Your Trade Qualification After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll need to pass a trade qualification exam.
Why This Is Important Passing this exam gives you a nationally recognised qualification , enabling you to work as a certified tradie. Your qualification also opens doors to higher-paying roles and independent contracting opportunities.
Step 6: Keep Developing Your Skills The trades industry evolves constantly, with new tools, techniques, and technologies. Staying ahead is key to long-term success.
How to Stay Updated Attend industry workshops and seminars. Take additional training courses to specialise in areas like green energy, advanced machinery, or digital tools.
Why Becoming a Tradie Is Worth It In-demand Skills : Australia has a high demand for skilled tradies, ensuring job security.Great Earning Potential : Many trades offer competitive salaries and opportunities for growth.Flexibility : Work independently, start your own business, or join a company—it's up to you.Hands-On Work : If sitting behind a desk isn’t your style, this career offers the chance to work with your hands and see the results of your efforts.
Final Thoughts Becoming a tradie in Australia takes commitment, but the rewards are well worth it. By choosing a trade, securing an apprenticeship, earning your qualification, and continually improving your skills, you can build a fulfilling career in an essential and respected industry. Whether you dream of running your own business or becoming a master in your field, the trades offer a clear path to success.
Start your journey today—Australia needs tradies like you!
