Top Trade Courses in Australia for International Students: Your Pathway to PR

Welcome to the exciting journey of studying trade courses in Australia! This land offers a unique blend of high-quality education and vibrant culture, making it a top choice for students from around the globe.

Whether you’re interested in Joinery, Plastering, Bricklaying, Automotive Engineering, carpentry or commercial cookery, Australia’s educational institutions provide a range of courses that cater to various interests.

This guide is tailored to help international students understand the scope and benefits of pursuing trade courses in Australia.

What are Trade Courses?

Trade courses in Australia refer to educational programs focusing on practical skills in trades like carpentry, automotive, and other vocational areas. These courses are designed to provide hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge, preparing students for specific careers. Australian vocational courses follow AQF, ensuring recognized credentials & quality education.

Eligibility Criteria for Trade Courses in Australia

  • Educational Qualifications: Completing secondary education (high school) or an equivalent qualification is a fundamental requirement for most top trade courses.
  • English Language Proficiency: As practical training and communication are integral to these courses, non-native English speakers may need to showcase proficiency through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Prerequisite Subjects: Some top trade courses have specific subject prerequisites; for instance, plumbing might require basic mathematics and physics knowledge, while an electronics foundation may be necessary for an electrical course.
  • Age Requirements: Top trade courses, especially apprenticeships, may impose minimum age criteria due to legalities and responsibilities tied to apprenticeship arrangements.

List of Trade Courses in Australia for PR 2023

Australia offers a variety of trade courses that are popular for getting PR in Australia among international students. Some of the top courses include:

Certificate III in Carpentry

  • Course Length: Typically 2 years, more info here.
  • Program Costs: Vary by institution, from AUD 10,000 to AUD 25,000.
  • Career Outcome: Qualified Carpenter, opportunities in residential and commercial construction.
  • Approx. Salary: Entry-level carpenters can earn around AUD 50,000 to AUD 60,000 annually.
  • Intake Months: Generally starts in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Building and construction.

Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling

  • Course Length: Usually 1.5 to 2 years.
  • Program Costs: Approximately AUD 8,000 to AUD 20,000.
  • Career Outcome: Qualified Tiler, employment in construction and renovation projects.
  • Approx. Salary: Tilers can earn around AUD 55,000 to AUD 70,000 per year.
  • Intake Months: Common intakes in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Construction, building maintenance.

Certificate III in Painting and Decorating

  • Course Length: Typically 1.5 to 2 years, more info here.
  • Program Costs: Costs vary; expect around AUD 10,000 to AUD 22,000.
  • Career Outcome: Qualified Painter and Decorator opportunities in construction and renovation.
  • Approx. Salary: Painters can earn around AUD 50,000 to AUD 65,000 annually.
  • Intake Months: Common intakes in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Construction, building maintenance.

Certificate III in Solid Plastering

  • Course Length: Usually 1.5 to 2 years.
  • Program Costs: Vary by institution; average costs range from AUD 9,000 to AUD 20,000.
  • Career Outcome: Qualified Solid Plasterer, employed in construction and building projects.
  • Approx. Salary: Solid plasterers earn around AUD 50,000 to AUD 65,000 annually.
  • Intake Months: Common intakes in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Construction, building restoration.

Certificate III in Bricklaying / Blocklaying

  • Course Length: Typically 1.5 to 2 years, learn more here.
  • Program Costs: Costs vary; expect around AUD 8,000 to AUD 20,000.
  • Career Outcome: Qualified Bricklayer opportunities in construction and masonry projects.
  • Approx. Salary: Bricklayers can earn around AUD 50,000 to AUD 65,000 per year.
  • Intake Months: Common intakes in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Construction, building projects.

Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control

  • Course Length: Generally 2 years.
  • Program Costs: Vary by institution; average costs range from AUD 12,000 to AUD 30,000.
  • Career Outcome: Instrumentation and Control Technician, employment in industries like manufacturing and energy.
  • Approx. Salary: Technicians can earn around AUD 60,000 to AUD 80,000 per year.
  • Intake Months: Common intakes in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Manufacturing, energy, automation.

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

  • Course Length: Usually 1.5 to 2 years.
  • Program Costs: Costs vary; expect around AUD 10,000 to AUD 25,000.
  • Career Outcome: Automotive Electrician, opportunities in automotive repair and maintenance.
  • Approx. Salary: Automotive electricians earn around AUD 55,000 to AUD 75,000 annually.
  • Intake Months: Common intakes in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Automotive repair, electrical systems.

Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology (Heavy)

  • Course Length: Typically 2 years.
  • Program Costs: Vary by institution; average costs range from AUD 12,000 to AUD 28,000.
  • Career Outcome: Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, employment in the heavy automotive industry.
  • Approx. Salary: Heavy vehicle mechanics can earn around AUD 60,000 to AUD 80,000 per year.
  • Intake Months: Common intakes in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Heavy automotive, transport.

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

  • Course Length: Generally 1.5 to 2 years, more info here.
  • Program Costs: Costs vary; expect around AUD 12,000 to AUD 25,000.
  • Career Outcome: Qualified Chef, opportunities in the hospitality and culinary industry.
  • Approx. Salary: Chefs can earn around AUD 55,000 to AUD 70,000 per year.
  • Intake Months: Common intakes in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Hospitality, culinary arts.

Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade) Boilermaker/Welder/Fabricator

  • Course Length: Typically 2 years.
  • Program Costs: Vary by institution; average costs range from AUD 10,000 to AUD 28,000.
  • Career Outcome: Boilermaker, Welder, Fabricator, employment in metal fabrication and construction.
  • Approx. Salary: Boilermakers can earn around AUD 60,000 to AUD 75,000 per year.
  • Intake Months: Common intakes in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Metal fabrication, construction.

Certificate III in Automotive Mechanic

  • Course Length: 3 years
  • Program Costs: AUD 10,000 – AUD 25,000
  • Career Outcome: Automotive technician or mechanic
  • Approx. Salary: AUD 50,000 – AUD 60,000 per year
  • Intake Months: February and July
  • Relevant Industry: Automotive repair and maintenance

Certificate III in Civil Engineering Draftsperson

  • Course Length: 2 years, learn more here.
  • Program Costs: AUD 12,000 – AUD 30,000
  • Career Outcome: Civil engineering draftsperson
  • Approx. Salary: AUD 55,000 – AUD 70,000 per year
  • Intake Months: February and July
  • Relevant Industry: Civil engineering and infrastructure projects

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology

  • Course Length: Generally 2 to 2.5 years, learn more here.
  • Program Costs: Costs vary; expect around AUD 15,000 to AUD 35,000.
  • Career Outcome: Engineering Technologist, opportunities in advanced engineering roles.
  • Approx. Salary: Technologists can earn around AUD 70,000 to AUD 90,000 per year.
  • Intake Months: Common intakes in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Advanced engineering, technology.

Certificate III in Joinery

  • Course Length: Typically 1.5 to 2 years.
  • Program Costs: Vary by institution; average costs range from AUD 10,000 to AUD 25,000.
  • Career Outcome: Joiner, opportunities in woodworking and furniture construction.
  • Approx. Salary: AUD 50,000 to AUD 65,000 per year.
  • Intake Months: Common intakes in February and July.
  • Relevant Industry: Woodworking, furniture construction.

Benefits of Studying Trade Courses in Australia

Employment Prospects

Graduates of trade courses in Australia often find suitable employment opportunities. The skills acquired are in high demand, and many courses offer apprenticeship opportunities, allowing students to gain work experience while studying.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Completing a trade course can be a strategic step towards obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Australia. Specific trades are often listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, which can facilitate the PR process for successful graduates.

Hands-On Training

Trade courses in Australia emphasize practical training. This hands-on approach ensures that students are job-ready upon course completion, a significant advantage in the competitive job market.

Guide to Studying a Trade Course for International Students

Applying for Trade Courses

Enrolling in a trade course in Australia is straightforward but requires careful planning. Here are the steps:

  1. Research: Research the available trade courses that align with your career goals. Look for courses like carpentry, automotive, or commercial cookery.
  2. Check Requirements: Each course has specific entry requirements, including language proficiency for non-native English speakers.
  3. Apply: Submit your application through the institution’s website or an authorized agent.
  4. Visa Application: Once accepted, apply for a subclass 500 student visa to stay in Australia for your course.

Student Visa and Subclass 485

A student visa is necessary for international students. After completing your course, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). This visa lets you live, study, and work in Australia after completing your studies, providing valuable work experience.

Top Recognised Trade Schools / Universities / Institutions for Trade Courses

  1. TAFE NSW (Technical and Further Education, New South Wales)
  2. RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology)
  3. Box Hill Institute, Victoria
  4. TAFE Queensland
  5. Melbourne Polytechnic
  6. Holmesglen Institute, Victoria
  7. South Metropolitan TAFE, Western Australia
  8. Northern Sydney Institute (part of TAFE NSW)
  9. Victoria University, Melbourne
  10. Chisholm Institute, Victoria

Pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia through Trade Courses

Many trade courses align with occupations in high demand in Australia. Completing courses in such trades can increase your chances of qualifying for permanent residency under skilled migration programs. It’s essential to check the current skilled occupation list and seek advice on migration pathways.

Vocational Placements and Apprenticeships in Australia

Apprenticeships are a key part of trade education in Australia, combining classroom learning with on-the-job training. They provide real-world experience, making you more employable upon course completion.

Future Trends and Opportunities in Australian Trade Courses

The demand for skilled trade workers in Australia is on the rise. Emerging areas like renewable energy and advanced manufacturing create new opportunities for trade professionals. Educating about these trends can help you choose a course that aligns with future job markets.

Wrap up

Studying trade courses in Australia offers a unique combination of quality education, practical skills, and potential pathways to employment and permanent residency.

Whether you’re interested in Floor Tiling, Painting, Decorating, Plastering, Bricklaying, Automotive Engineering or Joinery, Australian institutions provide international students with a welcoming and supportive environment.

Choosing the right course and planning your journey wisely can set the stage for a successful and fulfilling career in Australia.

FAQ

What are the requirements to enroll in a trade course in Australia?

Basic requirements include a high school diploma, English language proficiency, and meeting specific course prerequisites.

Can studying a trade course in Australia lead to permanent residency?

Yes, especially if the trade is listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list.

Are there opportunities for practical training?

Yes, most trade courses offer practical training and apprenticeships.

What are the popular trade courses available in Australia?

Several popular trade courses are available in Australia, including but not limited to carpentry, mechanics, electricians, and plumbing. These are in high demand and offer diverse career opportunities.

How does one pursue a job in Australia after studying trade courses?

Completing a trade course can lead to career opportunities in Australia. International students must ensure their qualifications meet course requirements for industry eligibility.

What is a tradesperson, and what do trade courses include?

A tradesperson is a skilled worker who completes a trade course and gains practical experience in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and automotive mechanics.

Are there trade courses in Australia that offer Certificate IV qualifications?

Yes, some trade courses in Australia offer a Certificate IV qualification, which is recognized nationwide. This certification is highly valued and makes individuals qualified to work in their chosen trade.

Can international students pursue a trade course in Australia for career opportunities in the country?

International students can undoubtedly pursue trade courses in Australia to open doors to career opportunities in Australia. Many trade courses are available for international students and provide a trade outcome that can lead to employment in the country.

Which are the suitable trade courses in Australia for international students?

Top trade courses in Australia for international students include mechanics, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing. Gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the trade industry.

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