12 Jan 2017

You know what really sucks? Having everything figured out and then getting an ATAR or OP you didn’t expect. It sucks. It’s a downright kick in the pants. Because after that you need to start reconsidering your options. Or you think you do.

As you’re well aware, we at Year13 regularly talk about how a trade is the solution to youth unemployment–it’s a market with a heck of a load of demand, some amazing perks and good pay. We think a trade is definitely something worth considering, whether you got the school results you were after or not. Here’s why:

1. We need tradies

Carpenter and joiner jobs are forecast to increase by 18,700 positions by November 2019, with a further 13,900 electricians, 11,200 plumbers, 6,500 painters and 4,600 tilers (thnx Department of Employment). Basically, there’ll be vacancies out the wazoo–Australia needs you!

2. You can earn a heap

Aussie tradies earn $61p/hour on average, with builders in NSW on a nice $78p/hour. Often you can actually earn more than a uni grad, which is pretty crazy and goes against a lot of the bad press tradies seem to cop. It’s all myths and legends, people!

3. You’re more likely to get work once you’re qualified

84% of people who finish a trade are employed six months after being qualified. This is double the percentage of bachelor degree graduates! (Graduate Careers Australia, ta). This means: no unpaid internships and no bumming around for four years doing work you don’t really want to be doing in order to get to the place you want to. Nothing to complain about there.

4. You get paid to learn

While hundreds of thousands of Aussies are racking up tens of thousands of dollars of HECS debt, you’re getting paid to get qualified in an apprenticeship. Oh, and you also get a student card which means discounts. Double bonus.

5. The process to start your apprenticeship is easy

Take our mates at MIGAS for example, who’ve put together this really simple step by step guide of exactly what you need to do in order to become a fully qualified tradesperson.

6. It’s a transferable skill

You can take it home, you can take it to your mate’s place or you can take it overseas. Every single country in the world needs qualified tradespeople, so take advantage of it!

 7. Grouse banter, always

The work culture as a tradie is always a good time.

8. The work hours can be pretty sweet

Nothing better than clocking off early and going to the beach while all your mates are stuck in an office until 5pm. And when you do work those crazy long days, you’ll get paid overtime. Not a lot of contracted employees get those benefits.

9. The uniform

I’d rather be in high vis singlet and shorts over a restrictive tie and suit any day of the week. Plus, you don’t have to think about what you need to wear every day–too easy.

10. There’s always room for growth

Sky’s the limit with a trade qualification–you can start your own business and run it well, because you know what it’s like on the job. The size of your business is only limited to how much work and effort you put in.

11. Stay fit and healthy

You’re always moving in a trade job, and they say when your body is active and healthy your mind is too. Studies show that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication. It’s also a natural anti-anxiety treatment.

12. The views are always changing

You’ll get the chance to work in ridiculous places–houses in prime locations, mansions with inclinators, huge business blocks with incredible views, sometimes twenty storeys up. You’ll also get access to areas you wouldn’t otherwise–old underground train stations, behind those wooden walls in shopping malls and in buildings that are ‘under development’.

13. Your efforts are tangible

One of the most satisfying things about doing a trade is seeing your all efforts at the end of the day amounted in something real and physical. You can step back and switch on the lights, or turn on the tap, or dump your tools on a freshly installed bench that you created with your own hands–it’s a pretty incredible feeling.

14. You can apply for an apprenticeship right now

Australia is in desperate need of more apprentices. Our friends at MIGAS can hook you up with the apprenticeship you’re after, and they can get the process started right now. Click here for electrical, automotive, engineering, construction and traineeship vacancies!

If you’re still not sure about a trade, click here and have a read about some currently working Apprentices and Trainees.