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Trade Courses in Australia

Complete in 1-2 years what takes Australians 4 years. International students receive the exact same Cert III qualification through intensive trade courses. Work while studying, gain real industry experience, and unlock pathways to permanent residency in Australia.

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Connect with our education consultants to learn more about trade courses and student visa options in Australia.

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Your Fastest Path to Success in Australia

Trade courses offer international students the fastest, most direct pathway to a successful career and permanent residency in Australia. Discover why thousands of students choose trade courses over traditional pathways.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

20+ trade courses on Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List. Complete your qualification and unlock multiple pathways to permanent residency.

20+ trades on MLTSSL

Strong Earnings

Competitive Salaries
$70K+ per year

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2x Faster

Complete in 1-2 years
vs 4-year apprenticeships

Real Experience

Industry Placement
360 hours on worksites

High Demand

Job Security
Skills in demand

Same Qualification, Half the Time

Get the same Australian-recognised Cert III qualification in 1-2 years instead of 4. Complete intensive trade courses with classroom learning and real-world vocational placement.

Real-World Skills
Learn from experienced instructors in fully equipped workshops

Australian Apprenticeships

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Duration

4 years to complete

Learning Method

Majority on-site learning, partial in-class study
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Qualification

Cert III in your Trade

Work Rights

Full-time work during apprenticeship

International Students

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Duration

1 or 2 years to complete

Learning Method

Classroom/workshop + 360hr placement
R

Qualification

Cert III in your Trade (same as apprenticeships)

Work Rights

40 hours per fortnight during study, unlimited during holidays
2x times faster

Explore Trade Course Categories

All courses are on Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), leading directly to permanent residency pathways

Building & Construction

Hands-on training in high-demand building trades including carpentry, bricklaying, plastering, tiling, joinery, and more.

Popular Courses

Health Courses

Nursing, community services, and social work courses leading to healthcare careers and PR pathways.

Popular Courses

Education Courses

Early childhood education and teaching qualifications for careers in Australian education sector.

Popular Courses

Automotive & Engineering

Automotive mechanics, heavy diesel, engineering fabrication, and related technical trades.

Popular Courses

Aged Care Courses

Aged care qualifications for careers in Australia’s growing healthcare sector.

Popular Courses

Business & Management

Graduate diplomas in management, leadership, and strategic planning for business careers.

Popular Courses

Top 3 Courses for 2026

Building & Construction

Carpentry, painting, plastering, tiling, electrical, brick and block laying. One of the safest pathways to permanent residency in Australia.

  • 2 years
  • 485 graduate visa eligible

Early Childhood Education

Diploma of Early Childhood Education or Masters of Teaching. Opens huge opportunities and pathways to permanent visa.

  • 2 years
  • 485 graduate visa eligible

Aged Care

Natural progression from aged care to nursing. Increases job opportunities and migration pathways significantly.

  • 6 months to 2 years
  • Pathway to permanent residency
YouTube video

Top Courses to Study in Australia 2026

In this video, Brad outlines his top course predictions: Aged Care & Nursing, Early Childhood Education & Teaching, and Building & Construction trades. He'll explain why they’re among the strongest options for employment and permanent residency (PR) pathways.

How We Help You Convert Your WHV?

Our streamlined process ensures you can transition from Work Holiday Visa to Student Visa seamlessly – no need to leave Australia

Enrol & Complete Your Trade Course

Enrol in an MLTSSL trade course and complete your Cert III qualification in 1-2 years. Gain 360 hours of vocational placement experience on real Australian worksites.
1

Gain Work Experience & Skills Assessment

After graduation, apply for a 485 Graduate Visa to work full-time. Complete the Job Ready Program (12 months) to get a positive skills assessment for migration.
2

Apply for Permanent Residency

With your skills assessment and work experience, apply for skilled migration visas (189/190/491) or employer sponsorship (482/186) leading to permanent residency.
3

Real Students, Real Results

See how carpentry training in Australia has helped students achieve their career goals and secure permanent residency

YouTube video

From Student visa to PR

Ian is a previous PTA student and client who has successfully went from student visa to graduate work visa to lodging his PR application in roughly 3 years. This is his story.
Bruna Pathway To Aus

Bruna's Pathway to PR

“From my first day in class to getting my PR, Pathway to Aus made every part of the process simple. They handled the stressful bits so I could just focus on studying and working.”

Jade Pathway To Aus

From Carpentry Student to PR

“Pathway to Aus handled every step for me, from study to skilled migration. They kept me informed, supported me through the tricky parts, and made the whole experience stress free.”

Pathway To Aus Google Reviews
Excellent Google Rating
Based on 850+ Authentic Google Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about studying carpentry in Australia

Can I do a trade apprenticeship in Australia?

International students can’t do apprenticeships in Australia. Instead, they can study a vocational course to become qualified in a trade. The course combines workshop and vocational learning.

Can I work while studying a trade?

On a student visa you’ll be permitted to work 40 hours per fortnight during class times. During any holiday periods there’s no restrictions on how many hours you can work. If your partner is a dependent on your visa, they’ll be able to work 40 hours per fortnight at all times.

How long does it take to complete a trade qualification?

International students can complete trade qualifications in 1 or 2 years in Australia, compared to 4 years for Australian apprenticeships. Both receive the same Australian-recognised qualification (Cert III in your trade).

Can studying a trade in Australia lead to permanent residency?

Studying the right trade or vocational course can significantly increase your chances of obtaining an Australian work visa and pathway to permanent residency through skilled migration.
YouTube video

Studying a Trade in Australia

This video discusses some of the most common questions we are asked about learning a trade in Australia.

GET IN TOUCH

In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.

Contact details

Give us a call

Australia: +61 7 5526 5900
Argentina: +54 11 7368 8134
Fiji: +679 922 3842
Philippines: +63 968 363 5296
United Kingdom: +44 20 3948 3865

Send an email

info@pathwaytoaus.com

Gold Coast Office

2242 Gold Coast Highway,
Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218

UK Office

5 Merchant Square
London, W2 1AY, United Kingdom
(By Appointment Only)