Trade Courses | What are they?
These are VET or Vocational Education and Training programs in Australia that provide hands-on learning for various occupations that have specialized skills. They offer both theoretical knowledge and practical application so students can optimize lessons when they enter into future trade work.
✅ Focuses on skills-based training
✅ Industry-relevant courses
✅ Flexible learning
✅ Offers potential pathways to work and migrate in Aus
Carpentry and Painting & Decorating are both offered in our Educate to Migrate Pathway Programs. For more info about trade, you can check out Trade in Australia.
Trade Education for long-term career goals in Aus
An Industry Increasingly in Demand
Building & Construction
There’s a wide variety of occupations available — and the demand for skilled professionals is at an all-time high.
Project Potential
Both private and public sectors are investing in current projects in different regions which include:
🏗️ Cross River Rail project in Brisbane
🏗️ Greater Springfield in Queensland
🏗️ Sydney’s Central Precinct redevelopment
🏗️ Perth’s construction resurgence
🏗️ Gold Coast’s diverse developments
From Education to Employment
Carpentry and Painting & Decorating are seen to be two of the sought-after occupations, and studying these trade courses can boost your chances of employment in Aus.
Now that you’ve gotten a bit of insight — what would your trade of choice be?
To help you gain clarity on your decision, we’ve put together a list of differences and similarities. We recommend a few factors to consider like duration of study, tuition, location, and potential job availability. Our aim is to give details to help you decide what works best for you.
Carpentry vs Painting & Decorating
Course Details | What you need to know
Certificate III in Carpentry
Lessons include studying drawings and specifications to determine materials required, ordering and selecting timbers and materials, preparing layouts and much more.
- Duration: 12-24 months
- Intake: Monthly
Graduate Outcome
- Average salary of $1,358/week (full-time)
- Average hours are 44 hours/week (in Aus)
- Carpenters and Joiners have a high proportion of full-time jobs (93.2%)
Certificate III in Painting & Decorating
Lessons include applying paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to protect, maintain and decorate building surfaces and structures for both residential and commercial sectors.
- Duration: 12-24 months
- Intake: Monthly
Graduate Outcome
- Average salary of $1,371.00/week (full-time)
- Average hours are 43 hours/week (in Aus)
- Painting tradesworkers have a high proportion of full-time jobs (76%)
Between The Hammer & Hue | Challenges & Benefits
Studying Carpentry
What are the most challenging aspects?
- Physically demanding work
- Balancing theory and apprenticeship hours
- Financial strains
- Understanding niche technical skills
Why study Carpentry and work as a Carpenter?
- Hands-on learning
- Creative and rewarding occupation
- High earning potential
- Stable career possibilities
Studying Painting & Decorating
What are the most challenging aspects?
- Chemical and fume exposure
- Balancing theory and apprenticeship hours
- Tool and material expenses
- Painting precision
Why study Painting & Decorating and work as a Painter & Decorator?
- Mastery in practical skills
- Creative opportunities
- Good income potential
- Workplace diversity
What’s great about both courses is that after you’ve graduated, your credentials are nationally recognised. This gives you the chance to explore different work options in various states/territories in Aus.
Trade Courses = Strong PR Prospects
Education Pathways | Skills Assessments
From Trade Study to Trade Work
Where does the Carpentry Pathway lead to?
Carpenter (331212) is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List. Australian Immigration has indicated that carpenter, as an occupation, is in-demand. For you to gain a positive skills assessment, you have to pass and receive a Certificate III in Carpentry. It’s possible that you don’t need to be sponsored by an employer and you don’t need to live in a regional area.
Where does the Painting & Decorating Pathway lead to?
Painting Trades Worker is on the Skilled Occupations List. Trade Recognition Australia (TRA) provides the skills assessment for this occupation. For you to gain a positive skills assessment, you have to graduate and obtain a Certificate III in Painting & Decorating. Like Carpentry, you don’t need to be sponsored by an employer or live in a regional area.
Getting a Graduate Visa (485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) lets international students remain in Australia for 18 months, 3 years after finishing their studies, without employer sponsorship or points testing. Once you’ve graduated from your trade course in Australia, you may qualify for one.
Application ≠ Approval
Construct, Craft & Create Your Pathway to Aus
The journey of trade course study can be riddled with challenges, but it also comes with a rewarding sense of fulfillment as you’re embarking on it. Whichever course you choose, whether it’s Carpentry or Painting & Decorating, you have what it takes to design your path. Through hands-on learning and practical application, you’ll experience occasional setbacks, but also develop specialised skills and possibly gain mastery of your profession. Workmanship is the destination, and your education is the starting point — and there’s no better place to begin than in Aus.
