Are you thinking about your future career and wondering “what is a trade?” Or maybe you’ve heard about the different kinds of trades but aren’t sure where to start? The good news is that you’re not alone! If you like hands-on work, problem-solving, and being part of industries that keep the world running, then a trade job could be your perfect fit and we’re about to share everything you need to know!
There are so many types of tradies across various industries, from construction industry trades to automotive, electrical, and even beauty-related trades! Essentially, it doesn’t matter whether you’re into building, fixing, or creating; there’s a trade career waiting for you!
What is a Trade Job?
A trade job is a skilled profession that involves hands-on work and usually requires specific technical training or an apprenticeship rather than a university degree (which is great news for anyone wanting to avoid a student loan)! Tradespeople, often called tradies, are essential to industries like construction, automotive, electrical, plumbing, and more. Without skilled employees working across all different kinds of trades, homes wouldn’t be built, cars wouldn’t be repaired, and cities wouldn’t function smoothly!
The best part? Trades offer fantastic career opportunities, job security, and high earning potential. Plus, you get to work in dynamic environments rather than sitting behind a desk all day. If you ask us, it doesn’t get much better than that!
Different Kinds of Trades in Australia
Australia has a huge demand for skilled tradies. If you’re curious about the different kinds of trades, check out this list of trades in Australia:
- Construction: Building and repairing wooden structures, from houses to furniture.
- Electricity: Installing and maintaing electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
- Plumbing: Working with water systems, fixing pipes, drains, and even gas lines.
- Auto: Repairing and maintaining cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
- Bricklaying: Laying bricks to construct walls, buildings, and structures.
- Painting and Decoration: Adding colour and style to homes and buildings.
- Welding: Using heat and metalworking skills to create and fix structures.
- Tiling: Installing tiles for floors, walls, and roofs.
- Hairdressing: A creative trade, specialising in hair styling and cutting.
- Chef: A trade job in hospitality, mastering the art of cooking.
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: Installing and repairing cooling systems.
These types of tradies work in a range of industries and keep Australia moving. If any of these sound interesting, you’re already on your way to discovering a fulfilling career!
Discover Tradie Jobs
Now that you have a list of trades in Australia, let’s explore some popular trade jobs in more detail. And remember, whether you’re into hands-on building, working with technology, or using your creativity, there’s a trade for you!
Electrician
Average Electrician Salary: $85,000 – $105,000
Electricians are key figures in the world of construction industry trades. They install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, offices, and industrial sites. It’s a great trade job for problem-solvers who like working with their hands and technology. Plus, electricians are always in demand!
Plumber
Average Plumber Salary: $85,000 – $105,000
Plumbers are some of the most in-demand types of tradies, so those of you going into this trade will benefit hugely from increased job security! Plumbers install and maintain pipes, drainage systems, and gas fittings. This trade job requires hands-on work and problem-solving skills, and it offers great earning potential too.
Carpenter
Average Carpenter Salary: $70,000 – $80,000
If you love building things and turning a creative vision into reality, becoming a carpenter could be the perfect trade job for you. Carpenters build everything from furniture to houses and are a key part of the construction industry trades. With strong demand for skilled builders, this trade offers fantastic career opportunities.
Mechanic
Average Mechanic Salary: $75,000 – $80,000
Working as a mechanic is the perfect option for car-obsessed job hunters! A career as a mechanic means you’ll work on engines, brakes, and electrical systems to keep vehicles running smoothly. This trade job is perfect for people who enjoy fixing things and working with tools.
How to Get Started in a Trade Job
Embarking on a career journey straight out of high school can be both exciting and a tad overwhelming. However, today we’re covering a surefire way to start your career journey off on the right foot; through early careers programs like traineeships, cadetships and apprenticeships!
If you’re considering diving into a trade, you might have heard the term “apprenticeship” tossed around quite a bit (after all, it’s arguably the most popular of the three options). Without any background knowledge, this can bring up tonnes of questions, like ‘what is an apprenticeship,’ and ‘how does it even work?’ Let’s break it down (without all the technical jargon that leaves everyone confused).
What is an Apprenticeship?
Imagine learning a skill or trade, not just from textbooks, but by actually doing the work, earning money, and gaining real-world experience! That’s the essence of an apprenticeship. It’s a structured program where you, as an apprentice, work for an employer who teaches you the ropes of a specific trade or profession. Think of it as a blend of on-the-job training and classroom learning, all rolled into one.
Starting a trade apprenticeship can feel a bit daunting. After all, the idea of stepping into a new environment, mastering complex tools, and balancing work with study is enough to get anyone’s heart rate up. But fear not! With the right guidance and support, you’ll find your footing and thrive in no time.
How Does an Apprenticeship Work
One of the most important things to cover is how apprenticeships work in Australia; let’s break it down:
Duration: Most trade apprenticeships span about four years. This period allows you to gradually build your skills and confidence in your chosen field so that when you finish up, you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Structure: Typically, you’ll spend four days a week working hands-on with your employer and getting practical experience. The remaining day is dedicated to formal training, often at a TAFE or registered training organisation. This setup ensures you get a perfect mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Qualifications: Upon the successful completion of your apprenticeship, you’ll earn a nationally recognised qualification (which is usually a Certificate III in your trade). This certification not only validates your skills but also enhances your employability across Australia.
Earnings: Ready to hear about one of the coolest parts? You get paid while you learn! Apprenticeships are paid positions, and as you progress each year, your wage increases. It’s a win-win: gaining experience and earning money simultaneously.
Is a Trade Apprenticeship Right for You?
Still on the fence? Here are three compelling reasons why a trade apprenticeship might be the perfect choice:
- Start Earning From the Get-Go: Unlike traditional study routes, apprenticeships pay you to learn. No student debts piling up; instead, you’re making money from the get-go.
- Nab On-The-Job Experience: If you’re someone who learns best by doing rather than just reading, apprenticeships offer the practical experience that employers value.
- Join an In-Demand Industry: Australia’s booming infrastructure projects mean there’s a constant need for skilled workers. This demand translates to job security and numerous opportunities.
Ready to Land a Trade Job?
If you’re wondering, “what is a trade job and is it right for me?”, now’s the time to explore your options! Whether you’re drawn to the construction industry trades, automotive, electrical, or creative trades, there’s a career waiting for you.
With the variety of different kinds of trades available, you can find a path that matches your skills and interests. So, why wait? Start your journey today and become one of the skilled tradies Australia relies on by heading to our building and construction industry page or checking out our mini mag to find out more today!
