Given the infrastructure boom that much of Australia has been experiencing in recent years, across the board trades are in demand. If you are looking for challenging and rewarding hands-on work, a trade career in building and construction may be a great choice for you.
Trade professions require vocational training such as an apprenticeship and can often pay well for skilled tradespeople. Indeed, some of the following trade jobs represent some of the highest paying trades in Australia.
For ambitious individuals there are many types of trades to learn in Australia. If you are thinking about pursuing a trade career but are not quite sure which trade to choose, read on to learn more about nine exciting and rewarding high demand trade jobs that you many consider.
These represent some of the most in demand trades in Australia. Each of these trade professions can offer a long and rewarding career as a trade professional and may be a great fit for you. It’s also worth noting that whichever of these trades you may be considering, BizCover can help you reduce your risk via business insurance made easy. Here are some of the skilled trades in-demand that represent some of the highest paying trade jobs in Australia.
1. Carpenters
Carpenters construct a variety of structures with materials such as wood, plastic and steel. A carpenter might create structures integral to a building, including foundations and walls. Carpenters may also build smaller components within a building, such as cabinets and window frames. Other responsibilities of a carpenter can include helping supervisors with structural plans, evaluating the quality of woodwork or other building materials, and creating scaffolding.
As more and more new residential construction projects commence, carpenters and joiners will only become even more in demand. This is especially true in certain parts of the country, such as Greater Western Sydney, where the NSW Government has initiated 10 land rezonings to free up land for 70,000 new homes.
2. Electricians
An electrician inspects, repairs, installs, evaluates, and maintains electrical systems and appliances. Electricians can work on buildings under construction or on existing buildings. An electrician interprets technical drawings of electrical systems, installs electric controls and wiring, adheres to internal or governmental electrical regulations, and troubleshoots electrical problems.
Skilled electricians are more often than not in demand because fully functioning electrical systems are essential for powering homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure such as public transport systems.
The high demand for electricians is mainly driven by the increased reliance on technology and public infrastructure such as rail networks in Australia’s capital cities. More and more businesses are adopting remote and hybrid work arrangements. There are also plans to install high-speed rail systems in Sydney and increase the uptake of solar energy, which will require the diverse skill sets of qualified electricians.
3. Handymen and handy women
Handymen and handywomen perform maintenance tasks on a variety of appliances and equipment. Also known as handypersons or maintenance workers, handymen may evaluate and repair plumbing or heating systems, machinery, appliances like dishwashers or laundry machines, floors, and other systems or equipment. A handyperson might specialise in fixing and maintaining specific systems and appliances, or be a jack of all trades when it comes to repairing machinery around the home.
4. Landscapers
Landscapers design, construct and maintain outdoor spaces such as parks or gardens. When starting a new project, landscapers plan and discuss their design ideas with their clients before implementing the design. A landscaper’s duties will vary depending on the needs of their client and the designated outdoor space, but may include planting flowers, trimming bushes, repairing outside equipment such as furniture, or mowing lawns and maintaining gardens and flowerbeds. Landscapers might also work to eliminate pests from an outdoor space.
5. Cabinet makers
Many years of training and fine-tuned precision go into becoming a professional cabinet maker. Through creating custom cabinets and ensuring that they fit exactly into place, cabinet making is the kind of work that is not short of challenges; things can go wrong despite the best efforts of qualified cabinet makers.
For busy cabinet makers, a well-trained eye for the nitty gritty details is essential – but so is being in good physical health. An accidental injury could spell disaster for your cabinet making business. Other risks can include causing damage to a client’s property or even having your valuable tools stolen.
6. Painters
Painters apply paints, stains, enamels, varnishes and lacquers to buildings. A painter might paint the interiors or exteriors of walls, facades, fixtures, and trimmings on both residential and commercial buildings. In addition to applying coats of paints and other materials, a painter’s duties can include preparing surfaces to be painted, such as by sanding, mixing paints or stains, and setting up ventilation systems to prevent harmful fumes being inhaled.
Recommended reading: How to start a painting business in Australia
7. Plasterers
A plasterer puts layers of plaster, stucco, mortar, or cement on walls, floors and ceilings. These materials help strengthen building surfaces and prepare them for decorations. Plasterers determine the correct materials to use on a particular building, mix their own plaster (or other types of materials) and then apply them to the interiors or exteriors of a building.
8. Plumbers
Plumbers install and repair water and gas supply lines. They also install appliances that connect to water supply lines, including bathtubs, sinks, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines. Plumbers often are tasked with critical-thinking and practical problem solving in order to weigh the pros and cons of different solutions available to them.
Plumbers can also benefit from being physically strong, which can help them avoid injuries from regularly lifting equipment and tools. Besides installing and maintaining pipes and appliances, plumbers may also clear obstructions from sinks or drains, test water pressure, and estimate repair plumbing repair costs.
9. Tradesmen and tradeswomen
There are many varying paths that tradies may choose to take once they complete their apprenticeship. Qualified, skilled, and passionate trade professionals will rarely be short of work given the demand for the well-rounded trade skills they possess.
Recommended reading: How to hire an apprentice or trainee for a trade business
Regardless of which specific trade you practice, as a tradesman or tradeswomen there can be numerous opportunities, including the chance to launch and run your own trade business.
How BizCover helps Australian tradies grow with trades insurance*
Are you ready to get started in a trade career in one of the above trade professions? If so, BizCover invites you to explore your trades insurance options.
BizCover removes the hassle from purchasing trades insurance by making it quick, paperless, and easy as for tradies to compare quotes from leading insurers online and save on business insurance immediately.
Learn about the types of business insurance that can help reduce the risks for your tradie business. If you would like to discuss your trade insurance with BizCover, give us a bell on 1300 920 874 and speak with our friendly team.
