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In Demand Trades in Australia: Why Now Is the Best Time to Study a Trade Qualification

Australia’s building and construction industry is sounding alarm bells: the nation is grappling with a severe shortage of skilled trade workers at a time when work is ramping up across new homes, renovations and infrastructure.


Carpentry class

What’s driving in demand trades in Australia?

According to the latest Housing Industry Association (HIA) report, Australia is facing a high demand for skilled trades due to strong growth in the residential building industry. New housing developments, renovations and large-scale projects are all competing for the same limited pool of qualified workers.


Some regions are feeling the pressure more than others. The HIA notes that regional Queensland and Perth are currently experiencing the most severe shortages in the country. They’re followed by regional Western Australia, Adelaide and regional South Australia.

Even major cities are under strain, with regional NSW, Brisbane, regional Victoria, Sydney and Melbourne all reporting notable difficulty finding tradespeople.



Certificate III in Bricklaying

High demand trade jobs in Australia for foreigners

The HIA also found that bricklaying is facing the sharpest shortage, followed by ceramic tiling, carpentry and roofing. Some trades like electrical work are closer to equilibrium, while plumbing and site preparation are in milder shortage.

Overall, the most critically short trades in Australia right now are bricklayers, tilers and carpenters. These are the trades builders are struggling to secure - and they’re also the ones offering some of the strongest job opportunities for future workers. Hence, gaining a trade qualification in Australia as a foreigner can make it significantly easier to find a job.



Why this is great news if you’re thinking of studying a trade qualification (e.g. at TAFE or VET) in Australia

Because demand is so high, training in a trade can open doors to stable, well-paid and flexible career options. By enrolling in a trade course, you can:

  • Step into a job-ready career: Trade qualifications are highly practical. You learn real, hands-on skills that employers need on-site from day one.

  • Enjoy strong job security: With ongoing housing demand and a structural shortage of tradies, qualified workers are likely to remain in demand for years to come.

  • Earn while you learn: Many trade students work in well-paid construction jobs while they study, allowing them to gain experience and income at the same time. On top of this, you may also be eligible for penalty rates when working overtime, overnight or on weekends - meaning even higher pay. To learn more about penalty rates, visit our Work in Australia page.

  • Keep your options open: A trade can lead to many paths - from working for a builder, to becoming a subcontractor, to eventually running your own business.

  • Make a visible impact: Whether you’re building homes, fitting out interiors or renovating existing spaces, you can literally see the results of your work every day.


Considering a career in trades? Now is the perfect time.

If you’re considering bricklaying, carpentry, tiling, plumbing, electrical work or civil construction, now is the ideal time to turn that interest into a qualification.


Discover our range of in-demand trade courses in Australia.


These courses can help you gain nationally recognised qualifications, practical skills, and a clear pathway into one of Australia’s most secure and rewarding career sectors.


If you quote this content, please reference study-in-australia.com. Study in Australia Group is an authoritative resource for international students and professionals interested in migrating to Australia or studying trade qualifications (TAFE and VET).



By Study in Australia Group.


Disclaimer: This information must not be considered legal or migration advice.


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