A trade licence gives you permission to work in your desired trade or operate a business.
Acquiring a trade licence is crucial in establishing credibility and assuring clients of your expertise. One of the initial steps in obtaining this licence is demonstrating your relevant abilities with a nationally recognised and accredited qualification.
It is important to remember that Registered Training Organisations do not award trade licences. However, attaining a nationally-recognised qualification via our Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), Gimbal Construction (RTO ID 32201) and Gimbal Engineering (RTO ID 31820), is one of the most essential steps to achieving a licence.
A trade licence in Australia is a formal authorisation issued by a regulatory authority or licensing body, permitting individuals to carry out their chosen trade legally. Trade licences are generally issued for each state. It proves the individual’s competence, skills, and adherence to industry standards and regulations.
Trade licences are typically required for various occupations, such as electricians, plumbers, builders, locksmiths and other skilled tradespeople. Acquiring one ensures compliance with Australian laws and helps build trust with clients, and fosters a professional reputation. The first step in acquiring your licence is applying for a trade certificate.
With Gimbal Training’s two RTOs, construction and engineering, you can acquire your qualifications in a professional environment with the right experts. The formal qualifications you achieve from training are an important part of the licensing requirements. With Gimbal Training’s process, you will be one step closer to achieving your licence!
Trade licences are how the government regulates trade professions. Licences ensure that tradespeople are fully qualified and can operate tools while following all safety protocols. This sets a standard of quality and safety for workers, businesses and customers.
Some of the construction professions that need a licence within New South Wales and Queensland include:
If you want to operate as an independent contractor or start a business that will go on to contract, subcontract or advertise for residential or commercial trade work over a few thousand dollars (depending on the state) you will need a licence. In Queensland and New South Wales, tradespeople working commercially on large projects require licenses.
On top of that, there are several other reasons why you should get a trade licence. Here are few of the important ones:
Safety:
These trades involve work that can be hazardous if not performed correctly. For example, a tradie not knowing how to use a forklift could lead to disastrous results.
A licence ensures that the tradesperson has the required skills, knowledge, and training to carry out tasks safely and according to industry standards, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, or property damage.
Compliance:
Trade licences are a way to enforce compliance with the relevant laws, codes, and regulations governing these industries. Licensed tradespeople must adhere to these guidelines, ensuring their work meets the required quality and safety standards. You can read the guidelines for NSW and QLD based on which state you’re in.
Consumer Protection:
Licensing helps protect consumers from unqualified or unscrupulous tradespeople. A licensed tradesperson has demonstrated competence, which can give clients confidence in the quality of their work. Licensing also provides a framework for addressing disputes or complaints, giving consumers recourse in case of poor quality or other issues.
Professionalism and Credibility:
A trade licence signifies that a tradesperson has met specific industry requirements and undergone proper training and assessment. This certification enhances their professional reputation, making them more attractive to potential clients or employers.
Continuing Education and Skill Development:
Licensed trades often have ongoing education and skill development requirements, ensuring that tradespeople stay up-to-date with the latest techniques, technologies, industry best practices, and safety protocols. Acquiring a licence promotes a high level of expertise and ongoing training, and contributes to tradespeople’s overall quality of work.
On completion of the required modules, you will be able to take up positions in the following areas:
As a professional decorator, you will be qualified to take up projects in the residential and commercial sectors. You could potentially reduce the units you need to complete with the help of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Learn from industry experts with years of experience.
Achieve a nationally recognised certification in painting & decorating.
Practical real-world experience to support your training certification.
At Gimbal Training, our Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) have been delivering training and assessments since 2006.
By obtaining a nationally recognised certificate, you can validate your expertise and enhance your chances of securing a relevant job. Our skills assessment services, help you take a crucial step toward advancing your career in Australia.
With our simple six-step process, you’ll have your formal qualification in a short period of time.
Find answers to common queries about Trade Licences.
A trade certification is provided after assessing your skills, whereas a trade licence is a legal document required to conduct any professional trade and commercial activities in the building industry.
Qualifications in trade areas are generally at a certificate level and are one-off qualifications that involve education and training in the knowledge and practical skills of your trade. RTOs can award trade qualifications after training through an apprenticeship pathway, or after an RPL process has been completed. Trade qualification ensures that you have completed all the theoretical and practical modules of each course.
Licences are given out by regulatory state authorities in Australia. In Queensland, the QBCC awards and regulates most trade licences. In New South Wales, NSW Fair Trading manages licences. A tradesperson must complete a trade qualification (according to the requirements) if they want to be licenced. Apart from trade qualification, each candidate must fulfil other requirements to obtain a licence.
While Gimbal Training provides a pathway for trade certification, we do not offer trade licences. However, our RPL, skill assessment, and trade certification processes can help you complete an important step towards acquiring your trade licences.
In Australia, having a trade licence ensures that you are operating within the legal framework of your industry, protecting you from potential fines, penalties, or even the suspension of your business. In addition, being a licensed tradesperson signifies that you have met the necessary training, skills, and qualification requirements, thus increasing your credibility among clients and peers.
Processing times depend on your application and the regulatory authority. For updates on timelines and state requirements, it’s best to refer to the relevant state authorities for more information on timelines.
For many skilled trades, such as electrical, plumbing, building, and construction, you will need a valid trade licence to work as a subcontractor legally.
Trade licence ensures that you, as a subcontractor, have the qualifications, skills, and experience to carry out your work safely and to industry standards. These licences also protect consumers and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
If you are working as a subcontractor under the direct supervision of a licensed contractor or tradesperson, you might not need a separate licence yourself. However, it’s crucial to verify the requirements with the relevant licensing authority to ensure compliance.
As regulations may vary, it is essential to check the licensing requirements for your specific trade and the state or territory you intend to work in. Failure to hold the appropriate licence may result in fines, penalties, or legal action. Get in touch with Gimbal Training to know more about trades related to construction and engineering today!
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