THE State Government is delivering the skills workers in Victoria need to meet its housing targets, with more than 20,000 carpenters, electricians, and plumbers getting their Trade Papers since 2019.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney welcomed the news and encouraged newly qualified tradies to display their Trade Papers with pride because they’re as valuable as a university degree.
A Trade Paper is a certificate awarded to those who successfully complete a recognised apprenticeship in Victoria, along with relevant formal training through a TAFE, trade school, or registered training organisation.
Since the State Government reintroduced Trade Papers in 2019, 7388 carpenters, 7027 electricians, and 5641 plumbers have gained their qualifications—that’s 20,000 qualified tradies with the skills to build the homes Victorian needs.
More than 11,300 people completed a trade apprenticeship in 2023-23, an increase of 24.5 per cent compared to 2019-20, and 20,400 people started a trade apprenticeship in Victoria in the same period—an increase of 22.4 per cent.
Across the state, there are more than 54,800 trades apprentices currently gaining their qualifications—an increase of almost 19 per cent.
Ms Tierney emphasised the importance of tradies in the workplace.
“Carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are vital for our community, economy, and for building the homes we need—so we’re focusing our training investment to make trade apprenticeships fairer, safer, and even more worthwhile,” she said.
Many of the plumbers who have recently qualified are choosing to complete further training short courses to meet licensing or regulatory requirements in their field, so they can get into work sooner.
The State Government is adding seven new short courses in plumbing to Free TAFE in 2025. These short courses will mean plumbers can undertake the specific units they need to start work, easing the skills shortages the industry is facing.
According to Ms Tierney, now is the right time to consider starting a career in the trade industry.
“There has never been a better time to consider a career in the trades—it’s a rewarding, secure and well-paid career,” she said.
“Gaining your qualifications through an apprenticeship sets you up to earn while you learn on the job.”
Victorians can access Free TAFE courses without the cost of tuition fees, even if they already hold a VET qualification or degree. There are no limits on the number of plumbing licensing short courses a person can complete in a year.
For more information about Trade Papers, visit www.vrqa.vic.gov.au. For more information about getting an apprenticeship, visit www.apprenticeships.vic.gov.au.
