For many school leavers, trade careers in Australia are seen as inferior to going to university.

Despite this, the construction industry offers excellent employment prospects, with construction jobs in Australia in high demand. 95 per cent of those who finish their trade apprenticeship training go straight into full-time work. Only 79% of those who complete an undergraduate degree do the same.

Addressing the perception of careers in the trades is crucial to boosting the construction industry’s workforce. Master Builders Australia estimates an additional 130,000 construction workers are needed to meet the industry’s needs. By 2030, it’s estimated an additional 42,000 electricians will be needed.

Experts say the industry will not be able to attract these workers without changing it’s negative perceptions.

So, what can we do to change perceptions of the construction industry?

What is behind negative perceptions of trade careers in Australia?

A key issue is attitudes within our educational system.

At present, our educational system is driving students to pursue study at university. Indeed, in many cases, performance indicators of schools revolve around how many of their students go to university.

High-achieving students are typically steered toward university, while those perceived as less academic are encouraged to enter trades. This leads to perceptions that careers in trades are inferior. As such trade qualifications in Australia aren’t viewed in the same way as degrees in industries such as business, law or marketing. This is despite the fact there can be far more opportunities in construction than these industries.

Attitudes within the education system need to change. Private schools in particular are concerned about getting their students into university. Experts say that although private schools claim to support a range of post-school pathways, in practice they often promote university options far more than vocational education

Benefits of a career in construction

Jett Brassington, 19, from Sydney’s inner west, has just started an electrical apprenticeship.
He went to the private, co-educational St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney.

He says that while he received lots of career guidance at school, little of it related to careers in trades.

“University people came in and talked about business and finance degrees, but no one came in and talked about being an electrician” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

He said the construction industry offers job security many other professions cannot provide.

“I’ve been told I’m set for life. Everyone comes out of university looking for the exact same job and there’s not enough of them. But I know I’ll always have work.” he said.

What can be done?

Construction industry bodies have a role to play in changing negative perceptions of the construction industry. They need to do more to elevate the standing of the industry and show it is interesting, diverse and not necessarily dirty.

One way they can do this is by engaging schools more. While representatives of universities visit schools regularly, representatives of vocational education not so much.

Mentoring and support should be provided to young apprentices to ensure they remain in the industry.
Careers advisers play a critical role in helping students decide which careers to pursue. However, in many cases they are not employed full-time. Full time careers advisers need to be in every school.

If you have ever considered a career in the construction industry, now could be the time to make a move with endless opportunities available.

Are you looking for a new career? Construction Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services including our resume writing service and selection criteria writing service.

Article References

Master Builders Australia (June 2024) ‘The Future of the Workforce: Apprentices in building and construction’, Master Builders Australia, accessed 20 May 2025.

Price, J (17 May 2025) ‘‘You can earn a decent amount’: Ash has a commerce degree. But now he’s a tradie’, Sydney Morning Herald, accessed 20 May 2025.