Best Trade Courses in Australia:
Top 15 Trade Qualifications for 2025
Choosing the right trade course is one of the most important career decisions you’ll make. With over 600 trade qualifications available in Australia, identifying the best trade courses requires understanding job demand, earning potential, career progression, and personal interests.
This comprehensive guide reveals the 15 best trade courses in Australia for 2025, analyzing each trade’s earning potential, job prospects, training requirements, and career opportunities to help you make an informed decision about your future.
How We Ranked the Best Trade Courses
Our ranking considers multiple factors to identify the best trade courses:
- Earning potential: Average and peak salaries for qualified tradespeople
- Job demand: Current and projected employment growth
- Training quality: Availability and quality of training through TAFE and RTOs
- Career progression: Opportunities for advancement and specialization
- Job security: Stability and resilience of the trade
- Work-life balance: Typical working conditions and lifestyle
- Business opportunities: Potential for self-employment and business ownership
The 15 Best Trade Courses in Australia
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Why It’s One of the Best:
Electricians are consistently in high demand across all sectors, offering excellent earning potential and diverse career pathways.
Key Details:
- Duration: 4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $90,000-$110,000
- Peak salary: $150,000-$220,000+ (FIFO, specialized roles)
- Job growth: Very strong (ongoing skills shortages)
Career Pathways:
- Residential electrician
- Commercial electrician
- Industrial electrician
- Mining electrician (FIFO)
- Solar installer
- High-voltage electrician
- Electrical contractor (business owner)
Why Choose This Trade:
Electrical work is essential across all sectors, from homes to hospitals to mining operations. The renewable energy transition creates additional opportunities in solar, wind, and battery storage. Electricians enjoy strong job security, excellent earning potential, and diverse specialization options.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states, numerous private RTOs
- Certificate III in Plumbing
Why It’s One of the Best:
Plumbing is an essential service that remains in demand regardless of economic conditions, offering excellent job security and earning potential.
Key Details:
- Duration: 4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $85,000-$105,000
- Peak salary: $120,000-$200,000+ (specialized, business owner)
- Job growth: Strong (consistent demand)
Career Pathways:
- Residential plumber
- Commercial plumber
- Gas fitter
- Drainage specialist
- Roofing plumber
- Medical gas plumber
- Plumbing contractor (business owner)
Why Choose This Trade:
Plumbing is essential infrastructure work that can’t be outsourced or automated. Multiple specialization options (gas, drainage, medical gas) allow you to increase earning potential. Business ownership opportunities are excellent, with successful plumbing businesses generating substantial revenue.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states
- Certificate III in Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration
Why It’s One of the Best:
HVAC technicians are in high demand due to climate change, increasing air conditioning adoption, and complex refrigeration systems.
Key Details:
- Duration: 3-4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $85,000-$118,000
- Peak salary: $120,000-$150,000+ (specialized, commercial)
- Job growth: Very strong (climate-driven demand)
Career Pathways:
- Residential HVAC technician
- Commercial refrigeration technician
- Industrial refrigeration specialist
- Chiller technician
- HVAC contractor (business owner)
Why Choose This Trade:
Climate change and increasing temperatures drive strong demand for air conditioning installation and maintenance. Commercial refrigeration is essential for food supply chains. The technical complexity of modern HVAC systems creates barriers to entry, supporting strong wages.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states, specialized HVAC training centers
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaker)
Why It’s One of the Best:
Boilermakers are among the highest-paid tradespeople in Australia, particularly in mining and heavy industry.
Key Details:
- Duration: 3-4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $105,000-$125,000
- Peak salary: $150,000-$238,000+ (FIFO, specialized)
- Job growth: Strong (mining and infrastructure demand)
Career Pathways:
- Structural boilermaker
- Mining boilermaker (FIFO)
- Pressure vessel specialist
- Shutdown boilermaker
- Boilermaker contractor
Why Choose This Trade:
Boilermaker offers some of the highest wages in the trades, particularly for FIFO work in mining regions. The physical demands and specialized skills create barriers to entry, supporting premium wages. Infrastructure and mining investment ensures ongoing demand.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in mining states (WA, QLD, NSW), specialized metal trades centers
- Certificate III in Carpentry
Why It’s One of the Best:
Carpentry is one of the most versatile trades, with opportunities across residential, commercial, and specialized sectors.
Key Details:
- Duration: 4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $85,000-$110,000
- Peak salary: $120,000-$180,000+ (specialized, business owner)
- Job growth: Strong (housing and construction demand)
Career Pathways:
- Residential carpenter
- Commercial carpenter
- Formwork carpenter
- Shopfitter
- Cabinet maker
- Carpentry contractor (business owner)
Why Choose This Trade:
Carpentry skills are highly transferable, allowing work across multiple sectors. Australia’s ongoing housing shortage creates sustained demand. Specializations like shopfitting and formwork offer premium rates. Business ownership opportunities are excellent.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states
- Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology (Diesel Fitting)
Why It’s One of the Best:
Diesel fitters maintain heavy equipment and machinery, commanding premium wages particularly in mining and construction.
Key Details:
- Duration: 3-4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $95,000-$125,000
- Peak salary: $140,000-$190,000+ (FIFO, specialized)
- Job growth: Strong (mining and construction equipment demand)
Career Pathways:
- Mining diesel fitter (FIFO)
- Construction equipment mechanic
- Agricultural machinery mechanic
- Marine diesel mechanic
- Heavy equipment contractor
Why Choose This Trade:
Diesel fitters are essential for keeping mining, construction, and agricultural equipment operational. FIFO opportunities offer exceptional earning potential. The complexity of modern diesel systems creates strong demand for qualified technicians.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states, specialized automotive training centers
- Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Fitting)
Why It’s One of the Best:
Fitters and turners work with precision machinery and equipment, offering diverse opportunities across manufacturing and mining.
Key Details:
- Duration: 4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $95,000-$120,000
- Peak salary: $135,000-$185,000+ (FIFO, specialized)
- Job growth: Moderate to strong (manufacturing and mining demand)
Career Pathways:
- Maintenance fitter
- Mining fitter (FIFO)
- Precision machinist
- Tool and die maker
- Fitting contractor
Why Choose This Trade:
Fitting requires high precision and technical skill, commanding premium wages. Manufacturing and mining sectors offer excellent opportunities. The trade provides a strong foundation for progression to engineering roles.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states, specialized metal trades centers
- Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Why It’s One of the Best:
Heavy vehicle mechanics maintain trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles, with strong demand across transport and logistics.
Key Details:
- Duration: 3-4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $90,000-$120,000
- Peak salary: $120,000-$150,000+ (specialized, mining)
- Job growth: Strong (transport and logistics growth)
Career Pathways:
- Truck mechanic
- Bus mechanic
- Mining vehicle mechanic
- Fleet maintenance technician
- Heavy vehicle workshop owner
Why Choose This Trade:
Australia’s vast distances and reliance on road transport create consistent demand for heavy vehicle mechanics. Specialization in mining vehicles offers premium wages. Business ownership opportunities in regional areas are excellent.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states, specialized automotive training centers
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Welding)
Why It’s One of the Best:
Welders are essential across construction, manufacturing, mining, and infrastructure, with specialized welders commanding premium rates.
Key Details:
- Duration: 3-4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $85,000-$110,000
- Peak salary: $130,000-$180,000+ (specialized, FIFO)
- Job growth: Strong (construction and infrastructure demand)
Career Pathways:
- Structural welder
- Pipe welder
- Mining welder (FIFO)
- Underwater welder
- Welding contractor
Why Choose This Trade:
Welding skills are in demand across multiple industries. Specialized welding (TIG, pipe welding, underwater) offers significant wage premiums. Infrastructure investment creates ongoing opportunities. FIFO welding roles offer exceptional earning potential.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states, specialized welding centers
- Certificate III in Roof Plumbing
Why It’s One of the Best:
Roof plumbers specialize in weatherproofing and drainage systems, offering premium rates and strong demand.
Key Details:
- Duration: 3-4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $90,000-$125,000
- Peak salary: $130,000-$180,000+ (specialized, business owner)
- Job growth: Strong (construction and renovation demand)
Career Pathways:
- Residential roof plumber
- Commercial roof plumber
- Heritage roof plumber
- Roof plumbing contractor
Why Choose This Trade:
Roof plumbing is specialized work with less competition than general plumbing. Climate change and extreme weather events increase demand for quality weatherproofing. Business ownership opportunities are excellent with lower startup costs than general plumbing.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states
- Certificate III in Bricklaying
Why It’s One of the Best:
Bricklayers are essential for residential and commercial construction, with strong demand driven by housing needs.
Key Details:
- Duration: 3-4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $80,000-$105,000
- Peak salary: $110,000-$150,000+ (specialized, business owner)
- Job growth: Strong (housing construction demand)
Career Pathways:
- Residential bricklayer
- Commercial bricklayer
- Heritage bricklayer
- Bricklaying contractor
Why Choose This Trade:
Australia’s housing shortage creates sustained demand for bricklayers. The physical nature of the work creates barriers to entry, supporting wages. Business ownership opportunities are excellent, with successful bricklayers earning substantial incomes.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states
- Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control
Why It’s One of the Best:
Instrumentation technicians work with complex control systems, commanding premium wages particularly in mining and process industries.
Key Details:
- Duration: 4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $95,000-$130,000
- Peak salary: $140,000-$180,000+ (FIFO, specialized)
- Job growth: Strong (automation and process control demand)
Career Pathways:
- Process control technician
- Mining instrumentation technician (FIFO)
- Building automation specialist
- Instrumentation contractor
Why Choose This Trade:
Instrumentation is highly technical and specialized, creating strong demand and premium wages. Automation trends increase opportunities. FIFO roles in mining offer exceptional earning potential.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in mining and industrial states, specialized training centers
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Why It’s One of the Best:
Automotive mechanics remain in consistent demand, with electric vehicle technology creating new opportunities.
Key Details:
- Duration: 3-4 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $80,000-$105,000
- Peak salary: $110,000-$140,000+ (specialized, business owner)
- Job growth: Moderate (evolving with EV technology)
Career Pathways:
- Automotive mechanic
- European car specialist
- EV technician
- Workshop owner
Why Choose This Trade:
Automotive mechanics enjoy consistent demand and opportunities across urban and regional areas. Electric vehicle technology creates new specialization opportunities. Business ownership in automotive repair is well-established.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states, numerous private automotive training centers
- Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
Why It’s One of the Best:
Tilers are in strong demand for residential and commercial projects, with skilled tilers commanding premium rates.
Key Details:
- Duration: 3 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $75,000-$100,000
- Peak salary: $110,000-$150,000+ (specialized, business owner)
- Job growth: Strong (renovation and construction demand)
Career Pathways:
- Residential tiler
- Commercial tiler
- Heritage tiler
- Tiling contractor
Why Choose This Trade:
Tiling is skilled work that’s difficult to automate, supporting strong wages. Renovation boom creates sustained demand. Lower physical demands than some trades extend career longevity. Business ownership opportunities are excellent.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states
- Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
Why It’s One of the Best:
Painters are essential for construction and maintenance, with consistent demand and good business ownership opportunities.
Key Details:
- Duration: 3 years (apprenticeship)
- Average salary: $75,000-$95,000
- Peak salary: $100,000-$140,000+ (specialized, business owner)
- Job growth: Moderate to strong (construction and maintenance demand)
Career Pathways:
- Residential painter
- Commercial painter
- Industrial painter
- Decorative painter
- Painting contractor
Why Choose This Trade:
Painting offers lower barriers to entry while still providing good earning potential. Specializations like decorative painting and industrial coating offer premium rates. Business ownership has relatively low startup costs.
Training Providers: TAFE institutions in all states
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Trade Course
Beyond our rankings, consider these personal factors:
Your Interests and Strengths
Choose a trade that aligns with your interests. If you enjoy problem-solving and working with electrical systems, electrician might suit you. If you prefer working with your hands and seeing tangible results, carpentry or plumbing might be better.
Physical Requirements
Some trades are more physically demanding than others. Consider your physical capabilities and long-term health when choosing.
Work Environment Preferences
Do you prefer indoor or outdoor work? Office buildings or construction sites? Residential or industrial settings? Choose a trade that matches your preferences.
Geographic Location
Some trades have better opportunities in specific regions. Mining trades are strongest in WA and QLD. Metropolitan areas offer more residential work.
Career Goals
Consider long-term goals. Do you want to work for an employer, start a business, or work FIFO? Different trades offer different pathways.
How to Get Started
Once you’ve chosen your trade course:
- Research Training Providers
Identify TAFE institutions or RTOs offering your chosen course. Compare facilities, reputation, and graduate outcomes.
- Check Fee-Free TAFE Eligibility
Many trade courses are eligible for Fee-Free TAFE. Check your state’s eligibility requirements.
- Find an Employer
Most trade courses require an apprenticeship. Start searching for employers willing to hire apprentices.
- Apply for Apprenticeships
Submit applications to multiple employers. Prepare a strong resume and cover letter highlighting your enthusiasm and commitment.
- Contact Apprentice Connect Australia
Connect with your local Apprentice Connect Australia Provider for support navigating the apprenticeship system.
- Enroll in Training
Once you secure an apprenticeship, enroll in the corresponding TAFE course.
Conclusion
The best trade course for you depends on your interests, strengths, career goals, and personal circumstances. However, the 15 trades listed in this guide offer exceptional combinations of earning potential, job security, career progression, and lifestyle.
Whether you choose electrical, plumbing, carpentry, boilermaker, or any other trade on this list, you’re investing in a career that provides financial security, job satisfaction, and opportunities for advancement. With substantial government support, including Fee-Free TAFE and apprenticeship incentives, there has never been a better time to start a trade course in Australia.
Research your options, speak with people working in trades that interest you, and take the first step toward a rewarding career by enrolling in one of Australia’s best trade courses.
Related Articles:
- TAFE Courses for Trades: Complete Guide
- Apprenticeships in Australia: How to Get Started
- Highest Paying Trades in Australia
- Fee-Free TAFE: How to Apply