Why Trade Skills are Gaining Momentum for Young Adults in Australia

While you might not know it yet if you've spent your whole life living with Mum and Dad, good plumbers, electricians and carpenters are really hard to find. "What does that have to do with me?" you might think. Well, if you're coming to the end of high school, it could represent a great career move.

Despite offering great rates of pay, excellent career prospects and fulfilling work, the number of tradespeople in Australia is dropping, with bricklayers and carpenters most affected. What this means for today's school leavers is that the right training will result in you and your services being in demand by employers across the country. It's why the number of young adults seeking trade skills in Australia is gaining momentum.

Also, trade skills can set you up for a successful life, especially as many people end up working for themselves, and that's where the big bucks are earned. So, if you're the type of person who just loves putting things together and you don't mind getting your hands dirty, it could be for you.

Obvs, you need to be suited to the type of work you're going to do, so you need to know what's involved. Keep reading to find out more!

So, What's It Like Being a 'Tradie’ in Australia?

There's no two ways about it: being a tradesperson or 'tradie' in Australia takes a certain type of person. It can be physically tough, depending on your specialisation, particularly as you might spend a lot of time working outside with the Australian sunshine beating down on you.

As we just mentioned, though, you will rarely be out of work, and you'll enjoy impressive earning potential. To get a better feel of what life is like, let's take a look at just a few of the job opportunities available.

• Plumber - responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of water and gas pipes, it's a job that requires good analytical skills, as you'll sometimes find yourself looking for the source of water leaks. Problem-solving skills are needed, too, but due to spending most of your time inside, you won't get sunburned like other tradies might!

Expected Salary: Entry level $66k, up to an average of $80k!

• Electrician - as a 'sparky', you'll work to provide buildings with heat, light, and other powered systems. You’ll also install, test and inspect electrical equipment to ensure that everything is working properly and have a close eye on safety aspects. You might be working on house wiring or installing circuit breakers, depending on the job you’re on.

Expected Salary: Entry level $76k, up to an average of $91k.

• Bricklayer - when working as a ‘brickie’ in Australia, you'll work most of your days outside on the many new building projects going on across the country. Building walls, repairing foundations, and more in commercial and residential locations can be very demanding physical work that requires stamina, focus and a steady hand.

Expected Salary: Entry level $68k, up to an average of $74k.

These are three of the most popular trade work options people get involved with in Australia. However, the list of jobs we haven't mentioned is long! We haven't spoken about roofers, mechanics, carpenters, landscapers, painters and decorators, glaziers and kitchen fitters - to name just six more!

Regardless of the trade field you train for, you're going to be a) paid well and b) never be short of work. If you're someone who likes to create and fix things and you have determination and stamina, being a tradie could be the best route for you to take out of high school.

What Training is Needed to Be a Tradesperson in Australia?

If you want to work in any of the trades mentioned so far, you’ll need to get qualified with training that's specific to your chosen field. Usually, this is via Vocational Education Training (VET) programs that involve working your way through the different certificate levels. With Wandr's career coach pass, we help students navigate through the complicated maze of qualification levels and what is required for a particular career pathway.

Apprenticeships Are Another Option

Another way to get tradie knowledge and hands-on experience is to start an apprenticeship, which is an employment-based program that blends structured learning with work. You'll earn a wage taking this path, and it's something you can start while you're still in school.

This option takes around 3-4 years to complete, and at the end of this period, you'll get a formalised, nationally recognised qualification (usually a Certificate III), making you a fully-fledged tradie!

Not Sure If Being a Tradie For You? Try a Wandr Kickstarter Course!

We know. There's a lot to think about, but the good news is that you don't have to decide right away. However, if you'd like to get a better idea of whether a career as a tradie is for you, why not take a Wandr Kickstarter course that will give you loads of pointers?

For example our Kickstarter course in Construction, you'll cover the basics and find out what to expect. This 8-hour study course will give exactly what you need, detailing the good and bad points of jobs in this sector. By the end, you'll have a much better idea of whether it's for you.

It's flexible study, too, meaning that you can dip into it whenever you've got time - meaning you don't have to give up time with your friends to get the learning you need.

Is Being a Tradesperson For You? Let Wandr Help You Decide.

Of course, there is a chance that being a tradie isn't suitable, but at least by seeing what's required, you'll know one way or the other. Also, Wandr courses cover a wide range of industries, from beauty to graphic design to animal care. Our platform is designed to help you find your way in life, allowing you to try a whole host of industries on for size.

In fact, we've got 1000s of courses that let you get great insight into an array of careers, and you can get advice and guidance from real-world pros via our engaging and interactive video-led careers content. Combined with 1-to-1 coaching, our learning content will help you formulate a plan that gives you more certainty about what life holds for you.

Your ideal career is out there waiting for you, and it might be closer than you think. We're dedicated to helping people like you through what can be a stressful time and find your vocational calling.

To learn more about us and how we can help you, visit us today at www.wandr.au. Alternatively, get in touch by calling 1300 611 404 or emailing support@wandr.au today, and we'll do everything we can to help you on your quest.