Raft of opportunities across the ditch for qualified tradies

An Australian study shows a shortage of high school graduates taking on trade and construction apprenticeships. Photo/File.

Thinking of moving to Australia for a fresh start in the new year? Well, then you'd better prepare for some stiff competition – unless you work in one profession.

While graduates have to jostle for positions across most industries, young Australians regularly overlook trade and construction jobs, according to research conducted by jobs website Adzuna.

The report showed that while jobs advertised in the construction industry has increased by 10 per cent, apprenticeship commencements were down 5.6 per cent year on year.

Adzuna CEO Raife Watson called on schools to remind students of the option of vocational education and training as an alternative to university.

"Despite reports that the residential construction boom in Sydney is starting to wind down, we continue to see growth year-on-year in advertised vacancies across a wide selection of job roles in trades and construction," he said.

"The primary concern for the construction industry is the continued decline in apprenticeship commencement rates."

This presents an opportunity for skilled New Zealanders to head across the ditch and pick up the roles Australians turn their noses up at.

Watson said there was work to do in removing the "stigma" associated with working as tradie.

"Twenty-three university graduates compete for each role, whereas in some Australian states, two jobs are available for all qualified apprentices," he said.

"I expect this number to increase in the coming years as apprenticeship numbers continue to decline."

In South Australia, where school leavers' results were released this morning, graduates are being urged to consider taking on a trade or traineeship.

Business SA says apprenticeships and traineeships are viable career options as Australia faces a skills shortage across a range of industries.

Sharyn Davies, from Apprenticeship Support Australia which is administered by Business SA, said a high score in year 12 is not a guarantee for future success.

"It's more important for young people to follow their passions," she said.

"When we are doing something that aligns with our strengths, skills and passions, we have a higher level of wellbeing and are more likely succeed in building a successful career."

- news.com.au