Why is there a tradie shortage in Australia?
Australia is a country with a very large construction industry. Tradesmen play an essential role in the industry. Some of the most popular trade careers are electrician, carpenter and plumber.
These trades provide essential services to Australian society. Currently, yes skilled tradespeople are in high demand. This demand is only expected to grow in the coming years. As such, it is essential that we continue to value and support the trade industry and the individuals who work within it.
Many factors, including the recent construction boom throughout 2020 and the last few years, as well as constant construction company collapses - tradespeople are in high demand. Here are some of the other reasons causing this demand:
1. Large government projects attracting trades
With many large government projects underway, many tradies have been drawn away from other private projects as the government projects face less risk and in most cases can pay better.
2. Tradies leaving companies to start their own
Many tradies desire to go out on their own and start their own companies. With the hope of making more money and working on better projects, this does seem appealing. But many fail to realise the risks that come with starting a new business.
3. Ageing workforce and lack of new apprentices
With little focus on the industry over the past years, the trade workforce has become increasingly older, with a disproportionate amount of new apprentices causing a discrepancy in the replacement of skilled workers after retirement.
Various initiatives have been implemented by the Australian government to try to combat the tradie shortage throughout Australia. Some of these initiatives include; increased funding for training, incentives for employers to recruit apprentices and up-skill existing employees and promotions to encourage people to pursue trade careers.
The trade industry may not seem to be the most appealing in comparison to others, this may be due to the manual nature of the work. Work can sometimes take a toll on your body and can often become very stressful due to trying to meet project deadlines. But some points that aren’t considered and appreciated are:
1. Compensation
Many may think the trade industry has low-paying career opportunities but this isn’t actually the case. Mining is an industry that often comes to mind where tradies can earn some of the highest salaries in Australia. Carpentry is also an industry often taken for granted - Carpenters in Australia are some of the best paid in the world.
2. Work and learn
As an apprentice you may not make much money but as you grow and you increase your skills and experience your income drastically increases. Even though apprentices don’t start out earning huge sums of money, you should still appreciate the fact that you can get paid while learning your trade. Most university degrees don’t accommodate this and once complete, leave you in a large amount of debt.
3. Work outside and work with your hands
Working in an office gets old fast. As humans, we need to experience fresh air and the outdoors. Having the opportunity to work outside and do work with your hands is extremely important for your health - both mental and physical. Most trade roles will also have a change of scope from project to project meaning every day is different and gives new challenges and opportunities to problem solve.
As the demand for skilled trade workers continues to increase and the Australian trade industry grows even larger, it is crucial that the initiatives being implemented begin to take effect. While it appears to be currently easier for companies to hire more promising candidates, it is important to note that this may only be temporary.
Australia must maintain a long-term focus on the trade industry to ensure that the shortage of skilled workers does not become a systemic issue. This includes ongoing investment in vocational education and training, incentives for businesses to take on and train apprentices, and measures to promote the trades as an attractive and sustainable career choice.
By taking a proactive approach, we can ensure that the trade industry continues to thrive and contribute to the growth and development of our economy. This, in turn, will benefit both businesses and individuals seeking rewarding and fulfilling careers in the trades.
