Australia's skilled trades shortage is one of the most acute workforce challenges in the country. Employer sponsorship provides a pathway to bring in qualified tradespeople.
Australia has faced a growing shortage of qualified tradespeople for over a decade. The decline in domestic apprenticeship completions, combined with an ageing trades workforce and a boom in construction and infrastructure spending, has created unprecedented demand for skilled tradespeople that the local labour market simply cannot meet.
Employer sponsorship allows businesses in construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and other trade-reliant sectors to recruit qualified tradespeople from overseas. Trade occupations are well represented on Australia's skilled occupation lists, and many offer a clear pathway to permanent residency.
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Occupation List |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician (General) | 341111 | MLTSSL |
| Plumber (General) | 334111 | MLTSSL |
| Carpenter | 331212 | MLTSSL |
| Welder (First Class) | 322311 | MLTSSL |
| Motor Mechanic (General) | 321211 | MLTSSL |
| Fitter (General) | 323211 | MLTSSL |
| Metal Fabricator | 322311 | MLTSSL |
| Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | 342111 | MLTSSL |
| Diesel Motor Mechanic | 321212 | MLTSSL |
| Cabinetmaker | 394111 | MLTSSL |
Most trade occupations are on the Medium-term Strategic Skills List, providing access to the 482 Medium-term stream (up to 4 years) with a direct pathway to permanent residency through the 186 TRT stream after three years.
The primary visa pathway for sponsored tradespeople. Provides up to four years of work rights and a direct route to permanent residency. Most trade occupations on the MLTSSL are eligible for this stream.
For trade positions in regional Australia, the 494 visa provides up to five years and a pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa. Regional areas often have the most acute trades shortages, making this a highly relevant pathway.
Experienced tradespeople with a positive TRA skills assessment and at least three years of post-qualification experience can be nominated for immediate permanent residency.
In some cases, the 407 Training visa can be used for tradespeople who need to complete additional training or licensing requirements in Australia before transitioning to a full work visa.
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is the designated assessing authority for trade occupations. The TRA assessment pathway depends on where the applicant is located and how they obtained their trade qualification.
For tradespeople applying from outside Australia, the Offshore Skills Assessment evaluates:
For trade workers who completed their qualifications in Australia, the Job Ready Program involves workplace-based assessments over a 12-month period to confirm practical competence in the trade. This is a four-stage program involving initial assessment, workplace training, and final assessment.
TRA skills assessments can take two to six months to process, particularly for offshore assessments. The application requires very specific documentation formats, and incomplete applications are a common cause of delays. Starting the assessment early is essential.
Many trade occupations in Australia require a state or territory-issued licence before the worker can perform trade work. Licensing requirements vary by state and by trade:
We advise on the licensing requirements for each state and help tradespeople understand what is needed before they can commence work in Australia.
Tradespeople must be offered at least the TSMIT of $73,150 per year and the market salary rate. Trade salaries in Australia have increased significantly in recent years due to workforce shortages:
Our registered migration agent understands TRA assessments, trade licensing, and the sponsorship process for trade occupations. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
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