LET’S TALK
TRADES
May - Jun
2025
Hammer Time:
Uncover the
different kinds
of trade careers,
hear from those
who’ve made
the leap, and
get inspired to
try out your own
trade career!
We’re Explore Careers and
we’re on a mission to kickstart
career journeys!
We’re not just a free early-
career resource; we empower
and educate the next
generation of the workforce.
You may have heard the term “the trades” thrown around, but do you
know what it actually means?
Whether you’re the kind of person who likes solving problems,
working with your hands, or just wants a career that doesn’t involve
sitting behind a desk all day, keep reading!
04
Different Kinds of Trades
Why Trades Aren’t Just for Boys
Try A Skill, Find Your Future
Early-Career Opportunities
Student Stories
Next Steps
WHAT’S INSIDE:
06
08
10
12
13
14
18
Entry Pathways for Tradies
Let’s Talk Trade Apprenticeships
Learn More
DIFFERENT
KINDS OF
TRADES
PLUMBER
Plumbers are some of the most in-demand types of tradies, so those of
you going into this trade will benefit hugely from increased job security!
Plumbers install and maintain pipes, drainage systems, and gas fittings.
This trade job requires hands-on work and problem-solving skills, and it
offers great earning potential too.
Electricians are key figures in the world of construction industry trades. They
install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, offices, and industrial
sites. It’s a great trade job for problem-solvers who like working with their
hands and technology. Plus, electricians are always in demand!
If you love building things and turning a creative vision into reality, becoming
a carpenter could be the perfect trade job for you. Carpenters build
everything from furniture to houses and are a key part of the construction
industry trades. With strong demand for skilled builders, this trade offers
fantastic career opportunities.
Working as a mechanic is the perfect option for car-obsessed job
hunters! A career as a mechanic means you’ll work on engines, brakes,
and electrical systems to keep vehicles running smoothly. This trade job
is perfect for people who enjoy fixing things and working with tools.
CARPENTER
ELECTRICIAN
MECHANIC
Explore Careers | Let’s Talk Trades
04.
TRADE
INDUSTRY
STATS
SOURCE
SOURCE
05.
Explore Careers | Let’s Talk Trades
CONSTRUCTION, TRADES
& SERVICES INDUSTRY
AN IMPRESSIVE $1,598
1,379,800+ Aussies working in the
Keep Exploring:
Median weekly earnings for
workers in this sector is
Certificate II in Resources and
Infrastructure Work Preparation
White Card Course
Certificate III in Electrotechnology
Electrician
Certificate II in Construction
Certificate IV in Plumbing and
Services
Licence to Erect, Alter & Dismantle
Scaffolding Basic Level Course
06.
Entry
Pathways
for
Aspiring
Tradies
Remember:
Requirements will depend on the
different types of trades you’re
interested in and the company you
want to work with, so make sure
you do some research!
If you’re reading this digital
magazine you may have decided
that the construction, trades and
services industry is the perfect
pathway for you; what now?
Well, choosing an entry pathway is
a very personal decision that will
depend heavily on the type of
trades job you want to get into.
TAFE and vocational education
pathways are ideal for individuals
wishing to pursue careers in
construction, trades and services.
Here are a few of the
qualifications you could pursue:
Explore Careers | Let’s Talk Trades
Trades Qualifications
How Can I Find Out More About
Apprenticeships in My State?
All individuals working in trades jobs must hold a white card and additional
professional accreditations depending on their speciality area. Once you’ve earned
that, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the industry:
Entering an
apprenticeship or
traineeship
You can start an
apprenticeship or traineeship
and work to gain
construction, trades and
services-specific
qualifications alongside your
certificate of education and
work experience.
07.
Explore Careers | Let’s Talk Trades
If you leave school at 16, you
can apply for work experience
in entry-level jobs in trades
and work your way up over
time.
That’s right, you can literally
start today!
Work experience
once you leave
school
Search for an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider, or click each state below to
find out more:
QLD
NSW
VIC
SA
NT
Tas
ACT
WA
Typically, you’ll spend four days a week working hands-on with your employer
and getting practical experience. The remaining day is dedicated to formal
training, often at a TAFE or registered training organisation. This setup ensures
you get a perfect mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
STRUCTURE
Upon the successful completion of your apprenticeship, you’ll earn a
nationally recognised qualification (which is usually a Certificate III in your
trade). This certification not only validates your skills but also enhances your
employability across Australia.
QUALIFICATIONS
Ready to hear about one of the coolest parts? You get paid while you learn!
Apprenticeships are paid positions, and as you progress each year, your
wage increases. It’s a win-win: gaining experience and earning money
simultaneously.
EARNINGS
Most trade apprenticeships span about four years. This period allows you to
gradually build your skills and confidence in your chosen field so that when
you finish up, you’re ready to hit the ground running!
DURATION
Want to learn more about
Apprenticeships?
There’s an Explore Careers digital
magazine for that!
Let’s Talk
Trade Apprenticeships
Imagine learning a skill or trade, not just from textbooks,
but by actually doing the work, earning money, and
gaining real-world experience! That’s the essence of an
apprenticeship.
08. Explore Careers | Let’s Talk Trades
YOU’LL GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
ACCESS BOUNDLESS OPPORTUNITIES
YOU’RE BEING PAID TO STUDY
This one sounds too good to be true, but it’s actually the truth! Yes, you will be investing a lot
of your time in studying and working, but it’s a very tempting alternative to paying thousands
of dollars for a degree. What’s more, your generous employer also covers your qualification
fees! How cool is that?
01
If your end goal is to get out in the field, spending all your time in a classroom might not be
your style. Apprenticeships help you get hands-on by combining theory with real-world
experiences. You’ll be applying what you learn in the classroom to your everyday tasks and
responsibilities. With a dynamic schedule you’ll never be bored!
02
When you start your career with a company you want to end up
with, you’ll be able to network throughout your apprenticeship! By
getting your name out there and making yourself known, you’re
more likely to be thought of for future opportunities.
03
Get Your Career into Gear
The construction industry is booming, and behind every
massive project is a fleet of powerful machines and the
people who know how to make them work! CEA, a leader in
the heavy equipment industry, is a great launchpad for
high school graduates and young people looking to get
into the heavy equipment industry!
Perks of a Construction
Apprenticeship:
Built For Big Things With CEA
09.
Explore Careers | Let’s Talk Trades
13%
FEMALE
MALE
87%
GENDER SPLIT
Historically, the construction, trades and services industry has
been pretty heavily male-dominated. However, more and
more women are stepping up and forging their careers in this
exciting sector!
According to the
Australian government’s
Jobs and Skills website,
the current gender split
in trade jobs is as follows:
10. Explore Careers | Let’s Talk Trades