This is not a drill: trades are in demand.
There’s A LOT going on in Australia right now. With infrastructure, housing and Olympics projects all in the pipeline, tradespeople are in demand. And when you add the transition to renewable energy on top? We’ve actually got ourselves a skills shortage. That means it’s your time to shine. Pick any of the below trades careers to master and you’ll score yourself a whole lot of job security once you start working.
Electric vehicle mechanic
As the world starts getting behind the wheels of EVs, it’s important we have people who can service and maintain them. An EV mechanic is skilled in a vehicle’s electrical systems, as well as high-voltage safety. They can also diagnose and repair battery and software issues.
Get there: Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology
Electrician
The transition to clean energy means we need more electricians. In fact, Jobs and Skills Australia predicts we’ll need 32,000 more a year in the next seven years! As an electrician working in renewables, you’ll install, test, connect, commission, maintain and modify electrical equipment, wiring and control systems.
Get there: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Fibre optic technician
The construction of data centres equals a massive demand for awesome tradies, especially those working in electrical and mechanical industries. Fibre optic technicians are one of those crucial tradies – they’re responsible for installing and maintaining the fibre optic cabling that provides high-speed connectivity for AI, the cloud and data transmission.
Get there: Certificate III in Telecommunications Technology
Carpenter
Carpenters (or chippies!) are experts in working with timber. The current construction boom in transport, education, healthcare and public infrastructure is keeping them busy. They’re helping solve the current housing shortage too, with the federal government saying a big ‘yes’ to building 1.2 million new homes across Australia by 2029. That’s not all though. Carpenters will also be building and upgrading stadiums and venues, plus the athletes’ village, for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Get there: Certificate III in Carpentry
Air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic
As the temperature rises (thanks, climate change), there will be an increase in demand for cooling and climate control systems in homes and businesses. A refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic installs, maintains and repairs these systems with their expert knowledge in pipework, brazing (metal-joining) and all things electrical.
Get there: Certificate III in Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
Trades myths busted
“Trades aren’t really STEM careers.”
Wrong! Each trade on this page (and so many more) uses STEM every single day. That might be science to understand electrical circuits, tech to create digital blueprints, engineering to build, maintain and repair complex machinery, or maths for measurements.
“Women don’t belong in trades.”
They absolutely DO. Trades are for everyone, and they require skill, precision and technical ability, not just physical strength. With the help of tech and modern machinery, trades are accessible to anyone with the right training.
“Trades don’t pay well.”
Tradespeople actually have high earning potential. Many of the highest paying trades in Australia offer average salaries from $80K–$120K, according to SEEK.
“There are no career opportunities in trades.”
There are plenty! The trades skills shortage in Australia means tradies are extremely employable once they’re qualified.
“There’s no career progression in trades.”
Not true. Tradies can work their way up the career ladder to become team leaders and site managers. Or, once they have enough experience, they can start their own businesses.
This article first appeared in Careers with STEM: Trades 2026.
