In recent years, trade jobs have become increasingly popular career choices, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. Trade jobs offer numerous benefits, including good salaries, job security and the opportunity to work with greater freedom. Therefore, these jobs can be great options for building a solid career in Australia.
Trade jobs can be challenging. Some of these jobs are quite physically demanding. While others require a certain level of creativity. However, the growing demand and financial incentives of these jobs are attracting a growing number of Australians. So in this article, we will explore different trends that make a trade job a smart career choice.
Why a Trade Job is a Smart Career Choice in 2023
Let’s take a quick look at 12 trends in the trade industry of Australia that will show you why these jobs are amazing career choices. Let’s take a look!
1. Growing Demand
The demand for skilled tradespeople is increasing across many industries, including construction, manufacturing and carpentry. As the economy continues to recover from the pandemic, the demand for skilled workers is expected to rise further. Australia is suffering from an acute shortage of skilled workers. So there’s a high demand for them.
2. High Pay
Many trade jobs offer high salaries, with some workers earning six-figure salaries. Skilled tradespeople are in high demand and can negotiate higher pay rates. You can pursue an advanced qualification like the CPC50220 – Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) for applying for higher-paying jobs.
3. Job Security
Trade jobs offer greater job security than many other professions, as there is always a need for skilled workers in many industries. For example, there is always a huge demand for skilled builders in the building and construction industry. As a result, the workers in this sector have a stable job security.
4. Training and Education
Trade schools and apprenticeships offer training and education that prepare workers for their chosen careers. These programs are often more affordable than traditional university education and offer a quicker path to employment. For example, the MSF30422 – Certificate III in Glass and Glazing trains glaziers for various industries, like the construction industry.
5. Advancement Opportunities
Many trade jobs offer opportunities for advancement, including leadership positions and entrepreneurship. For example, you can pursue an advanced certification specialising in the building and construction industry after completing CPC30620 – Certificate III in Painting and Decorating. So there are numerous ways to progress your career in these sectors.
6. Flexibility
Trade jobs offer more flexibility than traditional nine-to-five office jobs, with many opportunities for part-time and freelance work. Someone working in building and construction industry can also work on his personal business idea after finishing his working hours. This is one of the reasons why people choose trade jobs.
7. Work-Life Balance
Many trade jobs offer better work-life balance than traditional jobs, with more opportunities for flexible scheduling and paid time off. For example, as a builder, you can work on building and construction projects for some fixed hours and then spend time with your family or friends. You can have an even greater freedom if you open your own business.
8. Health Benefits
Many trade jobs offer health benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage. Trade jobs like working on building and construction projects have their risks and hazards. Therefore, these jobs offer a wide range of health benefits to their employees. This can be extremely beneficial for workers and their families.
9. Diversity of Skills
Trade jobs offer a diverse range of skills, from carpentry and plumbing to welding and electrical work in building and construction projects. These jobs can provide workers with a wide range of experiences and opportunities. Tradespeople can even become building and construction contractors or work at specialised jobs with more advanced certifications.
10. Technological Advancements
Many trade jobs are embracing new technologies. These machines can increase efficiency and productivity and make work easier and safer for workers. For example, you have to work with various power tools and machines in building and construction projects. Therefore, you don’t always have to worry about difficult manual labour.
11. Sustainable Careers
Trade jobs offer sustainable careers, as the demand for skilled tradespeople is expected to continue to grow. These jobs cannot be outsourced and the demand will always keep growing. There has been a recent boom in the trade industries in Australia. This boom has been experienced particularly in the construction industry.
12. Meaningful Work
Trade jobs offer the opportunity to work on projects that contribute to society, such as building homes, repairing infrastructure or providing healthcare services. It’s a great way to give back to your community and make a positive contribution to society. Therefore, you may find these jobs extremely fulfilling.
3 Steps to Getting a Trade Qualification
There are many factors that you should consider before choosing a trade job. Some of the most important factors are student tuition fees, entry requirements, elective units, course structure and successful completion of the course. So let’s take a look at the 3 steps to getting a trade certification.
1. Doing Some Basic Research
Before choosing a training provider or course, you should do some basic research on the industry where you want to work. If you want to be a builder, you should study the construction industry of Australia. You can develop a basic understanding of building and construction materials, the construction process, building codes and environmental management practices.
After having a basic idea of the industry, you can take a look at different courses. There are various diploma and certificate courses specialising in the building and construction industry. Do not choose a course at this step. Rather, get a basic idea of the different options and their entry requirements.
2. Choosing a Training Provider
The next step is to choose a training provider. Several Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in Australia offer courses for trade industries like the construction industry. Some RTOs offer a wide range of courses for different industries. Others are more specialised in one industry. So there are numerous options that you can check out.
You should choose a training provider that is reputed. Ideally, it should also be located in a convenient location. It’s important to compare the student tuition fees and reviews of different training providers. You should also check the student contact hours and resources that the training provider offers.
3. Choosing a Trade Course
Now that you have a clear idea of different courses and training providers, it’s time for you to choose a trade course at a training provider. You should check the eligibility criteria before choosing a course. You can also take a look at related courses for additional options. Courses come in different levels, including certificate courses, diploma courses, and advanced diploma courses.
Always remember to choose a course that can teach you the trade skills properly. Suppose you want to pursue a diploma in building and construction. You should choose a course that covers every aspect of the construction process and construction materials. The course should prepare you for building projects. You should also be well-versed in construction processes.
4. Classes and Assessments
You have to successfully complete the course by attending all the classes in order to obtain a qualification. Classes will be held on various topics, including how to interpret plans and conduct project planning. The classes should cover every skill. For example, construction skills should be covered properly in a class for construction workers.
There are various study options that you will come across. You will find both face-to-face and online classes. You should choose a study option that’s convenient for you and your career goals. You also have to pass a series of assessments in order to complete the course. You have to attend various quizzes and exams.
Conclusion
A trade job is a smart career choice for many different reasons. As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow, trade jobs will become even more important and valuable in 2023 and beyond. There is no doubt that these jobs can offer you a greater level of freedom and flexibility in your career.
The shortage of skilled workers in trade industries means that there will be more openings in this sector in the coming years. So we highly recommend these jobs to Australians. Please feel free to contact us if you have any queries regarding trade jobs and related courses. We will try our best to answer your questions. All the best!