Adapting Your Trades Skills to Thriving Industries

Construction is no doubt a core industry in Australia, but there are plenty of other ways to apply your specialist trades skills. With new industries emerging to meet growing demands for clean energy and digital technologies, it’s worth thinking about how your trades skills can position you for a career in these exciting sectors.

We’ll cover examples of demand for trades in mining, renewable energy and civil infrastructure, and how you can develop your skills to take advantage of these opportunities.

Renewables and Green Tech Will Rely on Trades Skills

Australia’s transition to a carbon-neutral economy requires plenty of tradespeople to tap into the vast potential of lithium mining and hydrogen production.

Consider precision welding, which is the linchpin of construction. It underpins the quality of the work, its longevity and the industry’s strict safety standards. As renewable-led mining projects grow, welders will be indispensable for maintaining heavy mining machinery.

Welders looking to transition into mining should aim to specialise in fabrication and maintenance of heavy-duty mining equipment. Having a certification in specialised welding techniques for mining applications can also open doors to this sector.

Plumbing is another trade that will facilitate Australia’s green energy transition. As a plumber, you can expect to see rising demand for installing intricate systems, such as solar water heating and geothermal heat pumps.

Trade Skills in Production and Manufacturing Jobs 

Australia's manufacturing and production landscape is evolving to align with global trends, so we’re seeing a notable shift towards advanced manufacturing that includes more automation and other technology integrations.

As this shift occurs, traditional trade skills are still essential for manufacturing, if not more so. Consider the versatility of metalworkers in crafting modular and prefab structures, an area that is tipped to gain more investment as governments adapt building regulations to accommodate lower cost housing.

If you’re a metalworker, you can embrace this trend by upskilling and specialising in modular construction, and gaining proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) and automated manufacturing processes.

Expanding Trades in Civil Infrastructure

Australia’s massive population growth is keeping competition for trades talent tight across civil infrastructure projects, including transport networks, utilities and public facilities.

The Federal Government has committed A$120 billion over ten years to infrastructure projects, focusing on sustainable and SMART infrastructure, incorporating technologies for efficient energy use, intelligent transport systems and climate resilience. 

Electricians will be vital for installing and maintaining SMART infrastructure components, such as intelligent traffic systems and energy-efficient lighting, making electrical engineering qualifications highly valuable for future civil projects.

Make the Best Use of Your Trade Skills

Whether you’re a seasoned trade professional or an aspirational apprentice, your skills are a passport to exciting industry opportunities beyond traditional construction domains. Keep an eye on how industries are evolving and emerging, stay adaptable, and watch your skills become serious currency in the future.

JV Recruitment is one of the leading Melbourne recruitment agencies. We specialise in connecting tradespeople with excellent job opportunities spanning Brisbane, Geelong, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney. From manufacturing jobs to civil engineering projects and everything in between, our specialist team has what it takes to help you land your next role. Contact us today!