Post 2020, one might anticipate lingering challenges in job markets across various industries, expecting a prolonged recovery period.
However, Australia’s narrative defies these expectations, showcasing a resilient and thriving economy that has surged by a remarkable 1.6% in 2023. This growth highlights the country’s strong economic rebound, particularly in the trade sector, which continues to experience a high demand for skilled workers in 2024.
Australia stands as an example of the enduring value and necessity of trade jobs, underscoring their critical role.
Despite facing unprecedented challenges in recent years, Australia’s trade industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth. As we navigate through 2024, the sector remains a vital engine of the economy, with a sustained demand for skilled tradespeople. This enduring strength is a clear indicator of the trade industry’s significant impact, proving that even in the face of adversity, the need for skilled labour in fields such as construction, electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry, among others, is not only necessary but thriving.
If you’ve been considering starting or switching to a trade career, now is the time for you to get started. With Gimbal Training, make the process as smooth as possible thanks to our roster of qualified trainers and organised learning and qualification methods.
High-Paying Trades: Average Salaries and Outlook
To highlight the importance of trade, here’s an overview of the highest-paying skilled trades averages and the outlook for specific trades such as carpentry, engineering, painting, and glazing, demonstrating the promising prospects within these fields.
Carpentry
Carpenters play a pivotal role in the construction industry, working on a wide range of projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings. The average salary for a carpenter in Australia is around AUD $70,000 to AUD $80,000 per year, depending on experience, specialisation, and location. The outlook for carpentry is positive, with continuous growth expected as the construction industry expands to meet the demands of a growing population.
Engineering Trades
The engineering trades sector, encompassing a broad array of specialisations such as mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering technicians, offers lucrative apprenticeship paths as one of the highest-paying trades. Professionals in these trades can expect average salaries ranging from AUD $80,000 to over AUD $100,000 annually. The demand for engineering trade professionals is buoyed by ongoing infrastructure projects and technological advancements, promising a robust job market.
Painting
Painters responsible for the application of paint, varnish, and other finishes in residential, commercial, and industrial properties can expect to earn an average starting salary between AUD $65,000 and AUD $80,000 per year. The outlook for painters is stable, with steady demand driven by the need for new construction, renovation projects, and maintenance of existing structures.
Glazing
Glaziers, who install glass in windows, skylights, and other fixtures in buildings and vehicles have a promising career outlook due to the continuous need for construction and renovation. The average starting salary for glaziers is around AUD $75,000 to AUD $90,000 annually. As architectural designs increasingly incorporate glass for aesthetic and environmental reasons, the demand for skilled glaziers is expected to rise.
These trades offer not only competitive salaries but also the opportunity for career advancement and specialisation. With the trade industry’s growth and the ongoing need for skilled labour, pursuing a career in these fields represents a solid investment in a stable and potentially lucrative future.
How Getting a Trade Licence Can Help Job Security & Earn More Money
Obtaining a trade licence is a crucial step for professionals in the trade sector, offering a clear path to enhanced job security and increased earning potential. By demonstrating your commitment to professionalism, compliance, and ongoing learning, you set yourself apart in the industry, opening up a wealth of opportunities for career growth and financial success.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Trades Licence?
Here’s how securing a trade licence can pave the way for a more stable and prosperous career:
Enhanced Job Security
A trade licence serves as a mark of credibility and trustworthiness. It signals to employers, clients, and regulatory bodies that you possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and adherence to industry standards. This credibility can make you a preferred choice for hiring over non-licenced competitors, thereby enhancing your job security.
Regulatory Compliance
Many trades require professionals to be licensed to legally perform work, especially in regulated industries such as electrical, plumbing, and building construction. Holding a valid licence ensures you can operate within legal frameworks, protecting you from potential legal issues that could jeopardise your career.
Continued Professional Development
Acquiring a trade licence often requires ongoing education and skill development to maintain the licence. This commitment to learning keeps your skills up to date, making you adaptable to new technologies and methods, which is crucial for long-term job security in a rapidly evolving industry.
Higher Earning Potential
Licenced professionals are generally able to command higher rates for their services compared to unlicensed workers. This is because a licence demonstrates a level of proficiency and professionalism that clients are willing to pay a premium for.
Access to Exclusive Contracts
Some projects, particularly those funded by government or large corporations, may only be open to licensed contractors. Having a trade licence can open doors to these exclusive contracts, which often come with higher pay rates and larger scopes of work.
Opportunity for Business Ownership
A trade licence is often a prerequisite for starting your own business in the trade industry. Owning a business can significantly increase your earning potential, allowing you to benefit from not only your skills but also the labour of employees and subcontractors.
Marketability
In a competitive job market, a trade licence enhances your resume, making you more attractive to potential employers or clients. This marketability can lead to better job offers, negotiation leverage for higher salaries, and more opportunities for career advancement.
Looking to Get Formal Recognition For Your Skill? Get In Touch With Gimbal Training
To fully take advantage of your existing skills, get the formal recognition they deserve by getting in touch with Gimbal Training today.
Why Is It Important to Get a Trade Contractors Licence?
Getting a trade licence can help set up your professional practice in an Australian state of your choice while allowing you to take on high-value opportunities as an independent contractor. Trade contractors licence’s do a great job of solidifying your experience while ensuring clients that you’re legally compliant in all aspects of your trade.
What Happens if I Work Without a Trade Contractors Licence?
Working without a trade contractors licence where one is required can lead to significant consequences, including legal and financial penalties such as fines, cease and desist orders, and possibly criminal charges. It can severely damage your professional reputation, making future employment and business opportunities difficult to secure.
You may also face personal liability for any damages or accidents resulting from unlicensed work, and your work may not be covered by insurance policies, leaving you financially exposed. Such actions undermine industry standards, contribute to unfair competition, and can have serious implications for consumer safety and trust.
How Do I Get a Trade Contractors Licence?
After you receive your formal Certificate III qualification from Gimbal Training and adequate training and experience, you can follow the necessary steps required to get your trade contractors licence. Keep in mind that you will be required to apply for a licence specific to your state.
