Why Now May Be The Best Time To Join The Construction Industry

Australian tradies have always played an integral role in the nation’s economy. Demands for tradies in Australia continues to grow in an upwards trajectory, but the job market is struggling to meet these demands due to supply shortages and a lack of skilled labour workers. In particular, our construction industry is currently on the precipice of strong economic growth, and there’s never been a more promising time to be part of it! Despite the challenges, there’s never been a better time to explore a career as a qualified tradesman. If you’re considering a career change — let’s take a closer look at the exciting growth prospects and opportunities for tradies and how the rental vehicles at TradieSpec can help get you started.

The Current Australian Skills Shortage

The loss of international workers during the pandemic has brought Australia’s labour and skill shortage into focus for the construction industry. With slower completion times for renovations and new builds the skill shortage in Australia has a range of flow on effects.

• Skill Shortage Crisis: Australia is in the midst of a skill shortage crisis, with a shortfall of skilled workers across various skilled trades, including carpenters, electricians and bricklayers.
• Housing Crunch: To add to the current housing shortage, the government has announced its plan to bring 1.5 million immigrants into the country over the next five years. While this is great for the countries skilled labour shortage, it threatens to exacerbate the existing housing crisis.
• 1 Million Homes by 2030: To avoid a major housing shortage by 2030, the government will need to put measures in place to build one million new homes. This level of construction over the next 7 years will place a huge pressure on the already strained construction and their workforce.

With Australia’s ongoing demand for skilled tradies, a recent Herald Sun article listed the construction industry as number five on the list of industries with the most skills shortages, highlighting a clear opportunity for continuous growth in Australia’s construction industry.

The Future of The Construction Industry

As workforce supply dwindles and demand surges, a career as a tradie in Australia’s construction industry is set to become one of the highest earning industries. Once you’ve completed an apprenticeship there is no limit to the number of opportunities available to you. For those who go on to start their own business, they are essentially removing the cap on their earning potential.

If you’re thinking about taking the leap, here’s a few benefits of being a qualified tradesman in Australia’s construction industry:

• Non-existent Student Loans: When you finish your apprenticeship, you’re well equipped to progress into your field with years of practical experience under your tool belt – and with little to no debt unlike university graduates who are often left in tens of thousands of dollars of debt.
• Strong Employment Pipeline: With your skill set always in demand, you’re likely to pick up work anywhere in Australia, with the ability to work as much or as little as you like.
• Good Earning Potential: As a licensed tradesman setting your own rates, your earning potential is essentially uncapped. With qualified electricians earning up to $100,000 with some parts of the country offering $200,000 in sectors such as mining.

If you ever reach a point in your career where you don’t want to be hands-on on or on the tools anymore, your years of experience and wealth of industry knowledge can help you upskill and progress into adjacent careers such as a builder, supervisor or project manager.

As technology continues to shape the world we live in and artificial intelligence remaining at the top on everyone’s mind, trade-based roles are not going to be easily replaced by artificial intelligence in the foreseeable future. With advances in AI to focus on greater efficiencies for smaller tasks such as drafting, measuring and quoting, the floor remains open for human labour in the construction industry. Those considering a career as a tradie can look forward to job security and opportunities for growth in a sector that remains strong and indispensable to Australia’s infrastructure and development.

How TradieSpec Can Help

Fortunately, TradieSpec is well-equipped to help tradies throughout their career. Offering specialised rental vehicles to help keep tradies and their businesses on the road with a tradie vehicle that suits them! Whether you’re just starting out as an apprentice, about to start your business or looking at securing a fleet of tradie vehicles for your crew, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with our friendly team today for more information on our various work vehicle options.