Australia’s economy is booming, resulting in huge demand for skilled trade workers. That makes it a smart destination for immigrants looking for jobs as electricians, plumbers, construction workers, and more. However, before you can begin work, you need to have your trade skills recognised, receive the necessary certifications, and choose the right visa pathway.
In this Remitly guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get certified for trade work in Australia, from understanding the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) to securing the proper skilled work visa.
Understanding the Australian Qualifications Framework
The Australia Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy that regulates qualifications across all education and training sectors in Australia, including schools, vocational training, and higher education. The AQF is administered by the Department of Education in collaboration with the states and territories. It provides a structured system to ensure qualifications are recognised across the country.The AQF is divided into ten levels, ranging from basic vocational certificates to doctoral degrees:
- Levels 1 to 4 – correspond with Certificates I, II, III and IV
- Level 5 – Diploma
- Level 6 – Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree
- Level 7 – Vocational Degree, Bachelor’s Degree,
- Level 5, 6 or 7 – Undergraduate Certificate
- Level 8 – Bachelor’s Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma
- Level 9 – Master’s Degree
- Level 10 – Doctoral Degree
Each level represents a progression in skills, knowledge, and qualification complexity. For trade workers, Certificates III and IV levels are usually required, while if you hold a Diploma or Advanced Diplomas you have a shot at more specialised or managerial roles.
Researching in-demand trade occupations
If you plan to move to Australia to pursue a trade qualification, some occupations are in very high demand and provide the best career opportunities. In fact certain trades like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are always needed due to skills shortages. Australia’s skilled occupation list (SOL) can help you match your training with the job market needs.
The importance of skills recognition
A skills assessment by one of Australia’s assessing authorities is obligatory. They determine whether your overseas qualifications or work experience align with Australia’s standards, comparing your experience and training against their requirements for your trade. You need their okay to get trade certification, skilled migration visas, and to qualify for further training.
Steps to get your trade skills recognised
To have your overseas trade qualifications recognised, follow these steps:
- Contact the relevant assessing authority for your trade. Each assessing authority has its own procedures, timing, and fees.
- Submit your qualifications, employment history, and references for evaluation.
- Once you get your results, you’ll know if your skills meet Australian standards. If they do, you can proceed with your visa application.
- Provide a scanned certified copy of your results with your visa application.
If you don’t get a positive assessment result, you won’t be able to apply for a skilled migration visa.
Pathways for migrants without trade qualifications
If your skills aren’t deemed equivalent to Australian standards, or if you don’t have a trade qualification, you do still have some options:
- Enroll in a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to complete an accredited trade course.
- Complete an apprenticeship to earn a recognised trade qualification through hands-on experience.
- Apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to have your existing skills formally assessed.
Required tickets or licences for construction work
Construction work can be dangerous, so Australia requires you to hold specific tickets or certifications before starting a job on any construction site. These tickets certify that you have the necessary training and knowledge to work safely and efficiently, which protects you and your colleagues on the site.
Before starting, you’ll need to get a White Card. This means completing a general construction induction training course that covers the basics of safety practices, hazard identification and emergency procedures, for example.
Depending on the specific job and construction site, you might also need another, specialised ticket. So, for example:
- Asbestos removal
Provides knowledge of safe practices when working with asbestos, which is present in many older buildings Down Under. There are three levels of certification: awareness, removal and supervision of removal. - Confined space entry tickets
This nationally recognised course is required if you want to work in confined spaces, such as tanks, tunnels, or pits. - Dogging and rigging
This one teaches slinging techniques and the secure attachment of loads. It’s essential for workers involved in lifting or moving heavy loads with cranes and hoists. - Elevated Work Platforms (EWP) ticket
Mandatory if you plan to operate scissor lifts, boom lifts, and telehandlers. - Forklift license
This course is mandatory for forklift operators, teaching you essential safety measures and proper operating techniques. - High-risk work licence
This licence is needed if you want to operate cranes or work with high-risk equipment, such as pressure equipment. - Rail Industry Worker (RIW) ticket
Required for rail jobs, this ticket provides you with an understanding of the risks involved with rail work and ways to mitigate them. - Traffic control tickets
Depending on your duties, you’ll need a Blue Card for traffic control, or a Yellow Card for planning and implementing traffic control plans. - Working at heights ticket
This provides you with the skills to work safely at heights, and to look after any other people working with you.
Costs and financial considerations
The costs of trade recognition assessments vary based on the specific program. As an example, here are some of the fees from one of the assessing bodies, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).
- Migration Skills: $795 AUD
- Migration Points Advice: $450 AUD
- Job Ready Provisional Skills: $130 AUD
- Job Ready Employment: $490 AUD
- Job Ready Workplace Assessment (JRWA): $2,845 AUD
- Job Ready Final Assessment (JRFA): $75 AUD
- TSS Skills Assessment Program Documentary Evidence Assessment: $1,120 AUD
Remember that these fees are right at time of writing, but might change over time.
Potential funding and scholarships
The Australian government has acknowledged the cost of qualification recognition as being a huge challenge for some skilled immigrants, and there are several ways to look for some financial help.
Here are a few options you might consider:
- Government programs
Some states offer subsidies or funding for in-demand trades. The Skilled Migration Program is one example, but you’ll need to explore specific support programs in the state or territory where you want to work. - Australian apprenticeship incentives
The Australian government has incentive programs for priority occupations, particularly if you plan to pursue a career in the housing construction sector. - Employer sponsorship
Employers may choose to cover assessment fees if it benefits their business, especially for roles where there’s a skills shortage. Ask your current or prospective employer about potential financial support to see if they can contribute towards the fees. - Recognition of Prior Learning funding
Some Registered Training Organisations offer payment plans to assist eligible applicants. Reach out to RTOs directly to ask about financial support options.
Australia offers several visas for immigrants as part of a system designed to match the available pathways with in-demand skills and the job prospects in specific industries. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of knowing which visa is the right one for you.
Finding the right visa for trade jobs
General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas
- Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa
A permanent visa that requires you to pass a points test. No sponsorship is required on this visa. - Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 visa
Another permanent workers’ visa, but this one requires a nomination from a state or territory. - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa
A temporary visa with a pathway to permanent residency.
Employer-sponsored visas
- Skill shortage Subclass 482 visa
Another temporary visa, for in-demand skills. This one allows you to stay up to four years. - Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa
This one provides permanent residency for employer-nominated workers
Temporary visas:
- Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa
This one’s for recent vocational graduates. - Short Stay Specialist Subclass 400 visa
A short-term work permit for specialised work.
Applying for permanent residency through trades
If you’re an immigrant working in trade industries through the General Skilled Migration Program or employer-sponsored schemes, you can qualify for permanent residency.
Obtaining permanent residency offers you several advantages over temporary visas, including the freedom to live, work and study anywhere in Australia without limitations. Permanent residents have access to the public healthcare system, government-subsidised education, and government support services.
Permanent residency is also the first step toward becoming a citizen, which means gaining voting rights and an Australian passport.
Trade courses in Australia for international students
Trade courses often include both theory and practical training, with many offering work placements and apprenticeships for hands-on experience. When you complete a trade course you’ll receive a nationally recognised qualification.
Trade courses available for international students
International students can enrol in Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses which provide hands-on training. Many VET institutions are Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) accredited by the Australia Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), the national regulator for vocational education and training. These can include both Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions and private colleges.
TAFE institutions are government-funded programs that deliver practical training across various industries, including healthcare, construction, and information technology. TAFE institutions are often more affordable and have lower entry requirements than private schools.
There are loads of these training courses, covering most of the trades that are in demand across Australia. They last from a few weeks to four years.
- Carpentry: three to four years. Includes apprenticeship.
- Plumbing: four years, this one includes an apprenticeship too.
- Electrical: four years.
- Automotive: Three to four years, another that includes an apprenticeship.
- Welding: a few weeks to a year, depending on your specialty.
- Hairdressing: one to two years, and again this one includes an apprenticeship.
- Bricklaying and stonemasonry: six months to two years, depending on the program.
- Landscaping: six months to one year, depending on the depth of study.
Finding reputable trade schools
Choosing a reputable trade school will give you the best chance of building a successful career in Australia. There’s plenty to consider as you make your choice:
- Industry connections and practical training
Look for schools with strong ties to industry professionals that offer real-world training opportunities. Employers value hands-on experience and schools with industry ties can offer you internships and apprenticeships, increasing your chances of securing a job when you finish the course. - CRICOS-registered
Choose institutions registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). They ensure that schools meet government standards for international education and guarantee visa eligibility and support services geared towards international students. - ASQA Accreditation
Ensure the institution is accredited by the Australia Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). An ASQA-accredited school guarantees your training will meet industry standards and that your qualifications will be recognised by employers. - Pathways to post-study work visas
Select schools that offer pathways to post-study work visas to help you easily transition to the workforce. Some institutions will provide direct support for job placements, employer sponsorships, and skills assessments, simplifying your transition from school to work.
Overall, if you’re skilled in one of the in-demand trades Down Under, and eligible under the age rules, you’ve got a very good chance of carving out a successful career there. Good luck!
FAQs
What is the job outlook for trade graduates?
The Australian government’s Job Outlook reports strong job prospects for many trade jobs over the next five years due to the rising population driving a need for housing, infrastructure, and development. The Australian trade industry is experiencing skills shortages in construction, electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry.
Can credits be transferred from overseas qualifications?
It depends on the trade and level of training or work experience. You’ll need to have your skills assessed to determine how your overseas qualification aligns with the Australian standards.
What are post-study work visas for trade graduates?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Vocational Education Work Stream is a post-study work visa that allows international students to live, study, and work in Australia after completing an occupation-specific qualification.
How do I get a trade certificate in Australia?
- Choose a trade and enrol in a Certificate III or IV course at a registered institution (TAFE or RTO).
- Gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills as you complete the training course.
- Gain work experience by completing an apprenticeship or applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- Get a skills assessment if required by your specific trade for licensing. Then you can work or specialise your study further.
How much is it to get your trade recognised in Australia?
The cost of getting your trade recognised varies depending on the type of qualification and where you’re applying. If you’re an immigrant with overseas qualifications, you’ll need to have a skill assessment completed, which can range from $300 to $1,000 AUD.
How do you qualify for the Job Ready Program (JRP)?
The Job Ready Program (JRP) assesses whether you have the practical skills and experience needed for employment in your trade. To qualify you must:
- Be an international student who graduated with an Australian trade qualification in an eligible field.
- Hold or have applied for a Temporary Graduate Subclass 485 visa.
Have paid employment in your trade in Australia.