Want to become a Tradie? Here is what you'll do and how they stack up in terms of salary

Becoming a tradie can be a great path for many looking at career options. There are many different trades to pick from. This article will have a look at the different options available, what is required to get qualified and what to expect in terms of salary.

All salary information is taken from payscale and is the Australian average for the trade.

Carpenters - $60,508 per year

A carpenter (also known as a chippy) is a tradesman that looks after the cutting, shaping and installation of building materials during the construction of buildings, ships, timber bridges, concrete formwork, etc. Much of the work is done independently, so it is important to be able to adhere to deadlines. Attention to detail is essential, as the end product needs to be safe and visually pleasant. Carpenters require good manual handling and the use of power tools. It is also important to be able to read blueprints. Basic mathematical skills are needed to carry out measurements (measure twice, cut once!). The job may be carried out in a workshop environment or on construction sites, which depending on weather and other conditions may be noisy, hot, and uncomfortable, so it is important to be tolerant of these kinds of conditions. Physical strength is needed to be able to walk and stand for long periods of time, to bend and stoop, and to carry heavy items. A valid driver’s license may be needed, as the carpenter will often have to travel from worksite to worksite. Both part-time and full-time jobs are usually available. Usually, a minimum of a high school diploma is needed, as well as successful completion of an apprenticeship.

Typical qualification for carpenters: CPC30211 - Certificate III in Carpentry

Carpenter tasks include:

• Select lumber, materials, power tools etc.
• Work from blueprints, sketches and drawings in addition to verbal and written descriptions to accomplish the job by following measurements
• Build closets, counters, shelves, cabinets, doors, bulletin boards, windows, wall panels, roofs, concrete moulds and other related carpentry items
• Dismantle or demolish and remove designated items prior to the commencement of repairs or upgrades

White Card Brisbane campus

Plumbers - $63,688 per year

A plumber is tradesperson who specialises in installing and maintaining systems used for water systems within buildings or underground. This includes drinking water, drainage, heating, sanitation, and sewage systems. Plumbers are not only involved with the installation and development of new plumbing systems, but also with assessing and fixing problems in existing systems, such as leaks etc. This profession requires thorough expertise in plumbing systems, as plumbers are involved in all aspects of their upkeep and must be able to identify a wide range of possible problems and solutions. When installing new systems, they must read blueprints to understand and follow the exact specifications for where a building's plumbing will be installed, making sure to use appropriate pipes and valves that will withhold the forecasted pressure. In doing this, they must also fully understand and follow regulations set by country and state and the particular building's code. Installing plumbing systems requires manual labor such as measuring (basic math skills required), cutting, bending pipe material, assembling valves, fittings, tubes, and appliances such as sinks, showers, toilets etc. It can also involve connecting house hold appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Plumbers work in a variety of locations, as the nature of the job requires them to be on the road and visit multiple sites. The work can be both indoors and outdoors depending on the particular project and where the drainage systems are located. Plumbers can work for a firm or be self-employed. When working for a company they work full-time hours and are often on-call during the day and/or night. When self-employed, they generally set their own hours. Apprenticeships is the most common way into the profession.

Typical qualification for plumbers: CPC32413 - Certificate III in Plumbing

Plumber tasks include:

• Interprets blueprints and building specifications to map layout for pipes, drainage systems, and other plumbing materials.
• Install and repair pipes and fixtures and open clogged drains
• Cut openings in floors and walls to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings
• Utilise appropriate plumbing and shop tools
• Cut and thread pipes
• Installs supports for pipes, equipment, and fixtures prior to installation

Bricklayer - $58,402 per year

A bricklayer (also known as brickie) is a tradesman specialising in laying bricks to construct brickwork. Bricklayers work on sidewalks, streets, homes, walls etc. Bricklayers are responsible to cut bricks and other materials to fit the project they are working on. They could be building anything from a chimney to walls to entire buildings. They need to know how to read and follow blue prints and to follow precise directions when measuring bricks or dimensions such as width, height or depth. They could be working indoors or outdoors in a variety of weather conditions from extreme heat to rainy days. It is their responsibility to cut bricks by either pounding them or by cutting them with a chisel or saw. Safety is key when handling tools like those as well as know how to build a wall or project that will be sturdy, safe and high quality. They need physical strength and endurance to do many of their jobs that go with brick laying, as they are often lifting and holding heavy bricks in place. You will also work many long and odd hours to complete jobs on time and to do them at a time that works for the project managers or weather conditions.

Typical qualification for bricklayers: CPC30111 - Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying

Bricklayer Tasks

• Laying bricks, stone or similar materials to build residential/commercial chimneys and fireplaces, patios, walls or walkways
• Cutting and trimming bricks using hand and power tools to specific lengths
• Mix concrete and grout by hand or with a mixing machine
• Unload and load tools and equipment at the construction site

Builder - AU$75,674 per year

A builder is responsible for building and maintaining/repairing buildings, either residential or corporate. Builders often work within a team, and they must understand the basic order and process for how a structure is created. Apprentice builders usually carry out tasks such as preparing the building area, cleaning the area and remove hazards, assisting in delivering/distributing construction material or tools etc. A more experienced builder will be creating blueprints, estimating budgets, sketching construction projects and measurements.
A builder should be able to solve problems associated with construction, consider all possible solutions (and discuss them with stakeholders), make decisions on structural safety and integrity as needed. Builders can be required to work in harsh weather conditions as the construction site can be outdoors. These employees are provided with safety gear (PPE - Personal Protective Equipment) and are responsible for ensuring their personal safety, as well as the safety of coworkers (duty of care).
It is required that a builder has a strong and diligent work ethic as they are often putting on finishing touches and is able to complete physical aspects of this job, such as lifting and carrying heavy construction material or tools, working in hot temperatures or wet environments and completing physical tasks for long periods of time.
As you can see, builders on average earn more than carpenters, bricklayers or plumbers. This is explained by the qualification requirement: unlike the previous trades, a builder required a certificate IV, not III.

Typical qualification for builder: CPC40110 - Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)

Builder tasks include

• Manage, coordinate and work on the construction, maintenance or repair of residential and commercial buildings
• Communicate and work with development, test teams and customers to resolve build related issues
• Resolve build breaks

Electricians - AU$71,477 per year

An electrician (also known as sparky) can work on a large amount of projects, as almost any building including residential, commercial or plants will have some electricity needs. Electricians can also install temporary electricity infrastructure on construction sites. Electricians are strictly regulated and need an electrician license to operate in Australia. In Queensland, it is looked after by WorkSafe QLD. Electricians work with a wide variety of electrical systems, installing, repairing and maintaining them to the specifications of the system or the organisations they work for. These positions are vital and ensure that those electrical systems are running properly and performing to their highest capabilities, as electrical infrastructure carries out many hazards such as electrocution, fire hazard etc. Electricians perform work in various systems that include lighting, security, and distribution. Most large organisations will employ their own electricians to maintain their electrical systems and alarm systems. They may be in charge of all of the electrical systems required to keep the company running, or just a specialised subset. They may also be required to work with other licensed electricians or non-licensed employees to complete larger projects. Electricians should be willing to work at any time, as many of the systems they are required to work on may need maintenance at unpredictable times and in various locations. The work is typically not quite as physical as other trades but requires a great deal of knowledge and attention to detail.

Typical qualification for electricians: UEE30811 - Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

Electrician tasks include

• Installing and maintaining all of the electrical and power systems for homes, businesses, factories etc.
• Study and understand electrical schematics
• Assist in performing and interpreting power calculations, power factor, insulation tests and positive relay tests as required
• Perform daily inspections and maintenance on electrical equipment

White Card Gold Coast campus

HVAC technician - AU$75,329 per year

HVAC technicians work year-round, installing, repairing, and maintaining the machines that regulate temperature and ventilation in buildings, such as ACs (air-conditioners). They may be self-employed or work for a larger company that manage businesses or large residential properties. HVAC technicians install the equipment needed for heating, cooling and ventilation in a building. They have to be comfortable reading the blueprints and preparing the building for installation by preparing the space for pipes and ductwork. They must monitor compliance with local government regulations and ensure that the system is installed in a way that provides for the most effective and flexible climate control in the building or space. HVAC technicians also often work on maintenance for existing equipment. They inspect the entire system, identifying any components that may be malfunctioning or broken. They take care of identified issues such as leaks, inoperable fans or clogged ducts. They make the necessary repairs to ensure that the system returns to proper working order. Some HVAC technicians also work closely with ventilation and refrigeration. They may check the ventilation for any concerns and make the appropriate fixes. They need to be willing to work at any time, as for example a cold room needs to maintain its low temperature for the contents not to perish. The work can be fairly physical as a lot of ducts and ACs are located overheads (ducts in roofs etc).

Often, HVAC jobs can be small in size, only taking a few hours to fix the issue. As such, many HVAC technicians require a driving license to travel from job to job and carry their equipment.

Typical qualification for HVAC technicians: UEE32211 - Certificate III in Air-conditioning and Refrigeration

HVAC Technician Tasks

• Respond to customer service needs, installing, repairing, checking, and testing systems for performance problems
• Fix and install ACs, cold rooms etc
• Perform preventative maintenance and part repairs according to schedule
• Instruct end users in appropriate use of HVAC and environmental systems
• Document and tag all activities, parts, equipment used and travel in log book

Campuses to complete face-to-face safety induction training

Conclusion

Trades can be fantastic career depending on your passions and personality. You don't need to dig yourself out of student debt as you are paid as an apprentice. If you enjoy working with your hands more than sitting behind a computer hours on end, it might be perfect for you.

Trades are more physically demanding than white collar jobs, which can be a great way to stay fit outside of the gym. Be aware that many trades may require you to work odd hours and on week ends.

One thing all tradesmen have in common is frequent access to construction sites. In Australia, anyone wishing to enter a construction must complete a White Card course, which is a safety induction course teaching you about what you need to know to stay safe on construction sites. The topics span from legislative requirements to stakeholders and their responsibilities, to the correct use of PPE and fire extinguishers all the way to identifying hazards and risk control measures. It will also teach you the signage (such as warning and danger signs) used on construction sites.

HVAC technicians earn just below builders on average, but by far the highest with just a certificate III (builders require a certificate IV). Their job prospect is also very good with temperatures rising across the globe and more and more ACs installed each year.

Tradie Training is a RTO (Registered Training Organisation) that delivers White Card safety training.