It’s weird there are a lot of conversation about the down side of becoming a tradie.. because last we checked, making good money, working with your hands, easy entry point and you can travel with it, sounds awesome.
We’ve all heard it, “finish high school and go to Uni”. This is not the pathway for everyone, and if this is you, don’t be intimidated by these conversations. You might be surprised to know that many of our trades are listed on the Australian National Skills Needs List.
So for young Australians looking to broaden their horizons and get into a trade, here are a few things to look forward to.
The dollars
How does earning more than the average lawyer sound?
According to 2016’s national figures from serviceseeker.com.au, the average plumber charges a whopping $78.40 an hour, while the average electrician charges $74.61 an hour.
Overall, tradies across the country made an average of $60.88 an hour last year.
Not too shabby right?
And those figures are on the rise too.
Of course, how much you pocket as a tradie will depend on your experience, the work you do, and whether you’re employed or self-employed.
But even as an apprentice or trainee you’re looking at a steady salary. The money might be a little on the low side to begin with, but you’ll be earning and learning the whole time. Plus, if you’re straight out of school, you’ll likely be pulling more coin than most of your friends. So your shout.
Outside not inside
Sick of staring at screens eight hours a day?
Taking multiple trips to the cafe just to stretch your legs?
Working a trade can be a physically demanding profession, but that’s also one of the perks.
Whether you’re working as a bricky, chippy or sparky, you’ll be on your feet most of the day, travelling from site to site, moving and working your body in variety of ways, and meeting new people all the time. In most jobs, you’ll also get to knock off while the sun’s still shining.
Get about
Want to work and travel at the same time? Once you’re a qualified tradie, the world is pretty much your oyster. Skills in trades like plumbing, construction, and carpentry will never go out of style – so if you’ve got ambitions of working overseas one day, being a tradie can make it happen.
The good thing is, we have it pretty good when it comes to this kind of thing. The government has agreements with a bunch of countries that make living the dream possible.
So just do your research on any extra qualifications you might need, and get outta here.
Easy entry point
In the same time it takes to finish a bachelor’s degree, you can also become a qualified tradie for a fraction of the cost (subject to your apprenticeship). Having a looming debt over your head isn’t the best feeling. And watching it chip away at your salary when you start earning enough isn’t great either.
That said, we aren’t telling you not to go to university. It’s just that becoming a tradie gives you a chance to get ahead early, have lasting job security, and start your working life in the black. So if this appeals to you in any way, it’s certainly worth thinking about.
