09 Aug 2021 | 4 mins

Let’s face it - tradies can get a bit of a bad rap here in Aus. People love to talk smack at the pub about not needing to go to uni, having to wake up before sunrise, and the health benefits (or lack thereof) of the stereotypical tradie’s breakfast. We’re here to tell you that all that talking down is pure jealousy. Here’s 5 reasons why being a tradie is a great line of work:

Great Hours

People might give you flak for having to wake up super early, but guess what? You get to knock off early on the other side. Remember when you’d have a day off school and someone would take you to the shops and it was dead empty? Have you ever had a couple of free periods and decided to go to the beach in the arvo? As a tradie you could be off work by 3 and catching a wave by 3:30. Not to mention you get to beat the rush-hour traffic that all those 9-5 chumps get.

And have you ever heard about call-out fees? If you’ve got good technical knowledge about fixing your essentials like plumbers, or electricians, if people want work from you, they can’t wait for it - which means that while you might have to get called out at a weird hour, you get to make it worth your time.

Job Satisfaction

There’s something about actually creating something with your hands that you just can’t beat if you’re working a desk job. When you’re building or repairing something, it’s not just a task - it’s a skill, it’s a craft, maybe even an art. It’s hard work for sure, but once it’s done you can actually step back and look at what you’ve done, or even drive by years later with an apprentice of your own and point out the stuff you’ve built in that neighbourhood. Take it from a desk jockey - designing powerpoints just isn’t the same.

You could also start a business, and get to work for yourself. That’s right - your hours, your tools and your work just the way you like it. 


Getting Paid To Learn

Let’s face it - if you’re looking to get a job in somewhere like media or the arts, you’re probably going to have to do an internship or two. Internships are a great resource to learn stuff you don’t learn in high school or uni, and they’re often a way to get your foot in the door. But unfortunately, a lot of internships, especially at smaller companies often don’t offer pay (even though it’s illegal). If you’re an apprentice, you get the same entitlements as other employees, such as annual leave, sick leave, public holidays and breaks.

There’s also off-the-job training including theory, which is structured work provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). It’s included in your ordinary hours of work, so you still get paid, even though you’re not working on a job!

It’s Less Stress to Work and Travel

Let me put it for ya this way: a brick in Sydney, is pretty much the same as a brick in Kingscliff. If you’ve got your own business and gear and you’re licensed in that area, you can pretty much work anywhere your little heart desires. Pretty much anywhere you go, people need professionals to design, build and repair stuff. Not to mention, finding a place where there’s a gap in the market for you to build your own business is a great way to find success as a tradie. If you do great work, build local relationships and maintain a great reputation, you could really make a difference in people’s lives.

No Two Days Are The Same

Every day provides a different challenge in construction. You could be waiting on someone else to finish their work before you can start, or something has to be done before the weather takes a turn. Every job will have a different timeframe, design and budget, and it’s up to you as a professional to make it work any way you can.

Even beyond that, trade techniques, ideas and equipment are constantly changing and evolving. There’s a huge emphasis these days on low-impact design and construction, carbon offsets, and experimental materials to cut down on electricity usage. There’s always something new to learn when you’re out on site - and despite what some people might say, having a good head on your shoulders is vital to success.

If all this chat about the great benefits of trades is piquing your interest - there’s loads more to learn over at our Academy The New-Print Of Construction. We break down the myths and take a look at some of the great stuff that a career in construction could hold for you - you also go in the running to win $5000 just for completing the modules.