Top 5 in-demand trades across Australia
Demand for housing and big infrastructure projects is causing a surge in demand for skilled tradies across Australia. So if you're thinking about jumping into trades, now's a good time to do it!
All five of these roles are in shortage across every Australian state and territory, according to Jobs and Skills Australia.
What's more – you can get the skills and skip the debt. Every course you need to do to get these jobs are covered under Free TAFE and available here at Victoria University (VU).
1. Bricklayers and stonemasons
Enjoy working with your hands outdoors? Bricklayers and stonemasons top the list of the most in-demand tradies. Booming construction and infrastructure projects across the country are sapping the supply of skilled workers – help fill these gaps and enjoy consistent, secure work.
As a qualified bricklayer and stonemason, you’ll use brick, pre-cut stones and other building materials to construct and repair buildings, monuments and other structures.
What to study
Start with a Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship 22614VIC to boost your chances of getting an apprenticeship while gaining basic skills and knowledge in bricklaying.
Once you get an apprenticeship, a Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying CPC33020 prepares you for a career as a qualified bricklayer with practical learning on-the-job and at VU's fully-equipped Sunshine Construction Hub.
2. Carpenters and joiners
Like problem-solving and hands-on work? As a carpenter or joiner, you’ll always be in high demand, putting your skills to use making a living.
As a carpenter, or chippy, you’ll typically work on-site on fixed structures like framing for houses and other buildings. As a joiner, you’re more likely to focus on crafting cabinetry, windows, doors and other wooden fixtures in a workshop setting.
What to study
Get your foot in the door with a Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship 22614VIC, where you’ll gain some basic skills and knowledge in carpentry and prepare you to do an apprenticeship.
Become a qualified carpenter or joiner by studying a Certificate III in Carpentry CPC30220, where you’ll get regular hands-on training as part of your apprenticeship.
3. Electricians
Got a knack for technical work? Switch on your career in electrotechnology and access diverse job opportunities, high job demand and great pay.
Being an electrician is a great hands-on job where you can flex your problem solving skills and work in a variety of settings. You can also specialise in specific industries or areas that interest you – whether that’s residential installations, renewable energy, telecommunications or events.
What to study
Spark your interest with a pre-vocational Certificate II in Electrotechnology 22682VIC, where you’ll learn the basics of working in the electrical and electronics industry.
Once you get an apprenticeship offer, you can enrol in the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician UEE30820. Here, you’ll learn all about how to install, repair and maintain different electrical systems with practical learning experiences to help support your ongoing on-the-job training.
4. Plumbers
Ready to take the plunge and become a plumber? It’s a popular career path for those interested in a trade with great earning potential and high demand for your skills.
Choose from a variety of career paths depending on what kind of work you want to do, including gas fitting, drainage, roofing and water supply maintenance.
What to study
Get your foot in the door with a Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) 22569VIC. You’ll get introduced to foundational plumbing skills like using basic welding equipment and installing plumbing pipes, fittings and fixtures.
Continue building your skills and knowledge in the Certificate III in Plumbing CPC32420 once you start your apprenticeship. You’ll get valuable workplace-simulated practice with facilities like our arc welding bay and 10x25m sand pit for real in-ground pipe installations.
Extend your technical skills and open the door to becoming a licensed plumber with the Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services CPC40920.
5. Builders and civil construction professionals
From building new homes to managing essential infrastructure projects, demand is huge for building and civil construction professionals.
Do your bit easing Australia’s housing crisis or improving our towns and cities. Whether you’re keen on becoming a registered builder or want to dive into the fascinating world of civil construction projects, you’ll always be in high demand (and paid well for it!)
What to study
Start building your career in the civil construction industry with a Certificate II in Civil Construction RII20720. You’ll gain foundational skills in excavation, reading plans and using tools, plant and equipment.
From there, you can continue your path down civil construction with a Certificate III in Civil Construction RII30920 and Certificate IV in Civil Construction RII40720.
The Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50220 prepares you to become a registered builder, construction manager or building supervisor. This course is a great option if you’re already a tradie and want to take the next step into running your own small to medium sized construction business.
How serious is our trades shortage?
A 2024 national survey by Master Builders Australia (MBA) of their members found 85 per cent of respondents struggled to find qualified tradespeople. 73 per cent said this is because the workforce is simply not there.
They found the most difficult trades to source were bricklayers, stonemasons, carpenters and joiners. Another MBA report forecasted a shortfall of 130,000 workers in 2025.
According to MBA CEO Denita Wawn, the worker shortage is bad enough to worsen the housing crisis and delay other urgent infrastructure projects across Australia.
“One of the biggest handbrakes on building homes, roads, hospitals and schools at the moment is a shortage of workers.”
Jumping into a career in trades isn’t just a great way to make a living – you’ll be doing important work fill crucial shortages.
Fill the trades shortage and get qualified for free
Get skills in-demand from employers and pay no tuition fees* with fee-free TAFE at VU. Open the door to fantastic job prospects, flexible course lengths and endless possibilities.
*Tuition free TAFE is available to eligible students only. Student services and materials fees still apply.
Average salaries across in-demand trades
Want to know how much money you could make as a tradie? From chippies to sparkies, here’s a breakdown of average salaries for in-demand trades across Australia.
| Role | Average salary range in Australia |
|---|---|
| Bricklayer | $70,000 to $80,000 |
| Stonemason | $75,000 to $80,000 |
| Carpenter | $75,000 to $90,000 |
| Joiner | $75,000 to $85,000 |
| Electrician | $90,000 to $110,000 |
| Plumber | $85,000 to $105,000 |
| Builder | $75,000 to $90,000 |
Keep in mind: how much you make as a tradies varies a massive amount, depending on your experience level, speciality and whether you’re self-employed or work for a company.
[Source: Seek 2025]
Find your unique path in trades
The world of trades offers a huge variety of career paths depending on your skills and interests. It doesn't stop with the type of trade you choose – you can narrow your focus down into specific areas from small-scale domestic work to major industrial maintenance.
You can be self-employed, work at a small or large company, or become an external contractor or consultant. It’s all up to you! Shape your trades career how you want to best fit your lifestyle and goals.
Start building your future
Ready to get started? Get a trade skill under your belt and apply for one of our practical courses in building, construction, plumbing, electrotechnology and much more!
