When people talk about Australian migration, the first occupations that usually come to mind are Nursing, Early Childhood Education, and Social Work. However, in recent years, the professions that have been quietly securing PR are actually blue-collar skilled trades under Australia’s construction industry.These occupations are rapidly becoming the next “dark horse” after the traditional three popular majors.New in Melbourne: Skilled Trade Schools Requiring Only One Day per WeekIn the Melbourne region, there are now trade schools offering programs in:Carpentry，Tiling，Painting，Plastering。Classes are conducted only one day per week.The campus is located in Hoppers Crossing, just 30 minutes from the CBD.If you already hold a 485 Temporary Graduate visa, you can complete Carpentry in one year.Other trades take 26–30 weeks (30 weeks is recommended for safety).If you are still on a 500 Student visa and have completed at least six months of your main course, you may even be able to transfer directly.For specific details, please contact us privately.
I. Why Are Skilled Trades the “Dark Horse” of Australian Migration?
In one sentence: Apart from the longer skills assessment timeline, everything else is extremely attractive.
Advantage 1: 189 Skilled Independent Visa – PR With Low Points,Many construction trade occupations:
- Can receive 189 invitations with just 65 points
- No point inflation,No reliance on state nomination,No competition with high-scoring white-collar professions
Compared with popular professional occupations, this is a real policy advantage.
Advantage 2: High Pay and Stable Employment
In Australia:
- Carpenters/Electricians/Tilers
- are all high-demand, long-term shortage occupations.
Salary characteristics:
- Solid starting income
- The more skilled you are, the higher your earnings
- Not age-driven — skill-driven income growth
Advantage 3: Very Broad Target Group
Many people assume “blue-collar migration = only for vocational students”. That is not true.The following groups are all suitable:
- Working Holiday Visa (WHV) holders
- 485 Temporary Graduate visa holders
- High school graduates from overseas
- Australian undergraduate or master’s students looking to change career paths
The entry threshold is much lower than most people expect.
II. The Key to Low-Score PR: Choosing the Right Occupation and Course
The core of skilled trade migration lies in:
- The nominated occupation being on the list
- Completing the corresponding Certificate III trade qualification
- Passing a Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) skills assessment
III. List of “Low-Score Skilled Trade” Courses in Australia
1. Carpenter
- Occupation: Carpenter
- ANZSCO: 331212
- Occupation List: MLTSSL
- Assessing Authority: TRA
- Course: Certificate III in Carpentry
- Duration & Cost:
1–2 years ｜ approx. AUD 10–15k per year
A core occupation in the construction industry with very broad employment opportunities.
2. Electrician
- Occupation: Electrician (General)
- ANZSCO: 341111
- Occupation List: MLTSSL
- Assessing Authority: TRA
- Course: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Duration & Cost:
2 years ｜ approx. AUD 25k for 2 years
High technical value, long-term shortage, and a very high income ceiling.
3. Bricklayer
- Occupation: Bricklayer
- 【ANZSCO】331111
- Occupation List: MLTSSL
- Assessing Authority: TRA
- Course: Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
- Duration & Cost:
1 year ｜ approx. AUD 10–12k per year
A construction essential trade and a popular low-point 189 occupation.
4. Wall and Floor Tiler
- Occupation: Wall and Floor Tiler
- 【ANZSCO】333411
- Occupation List: MLTSSL
- Assessing Authority: TRA
- Course: Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
- Duration & Cost:
0.5–1 年｜约 10k+ / 半年
One of the shortest courses with extremely high cost-effectiveness.
5. Solid Plasterer
- Occupation: Solid Plasterer
- 【ANZSCO】333212
- Occupation List: MLTSSL
- Assessing Authority: TRA
- Course: Certificate III in Solid Plastering
- Duration & Cost:
0.5–1 年｜约 10k+ / 半年
A “short and efficient” option for those seeking a fast migration pathway.
6. Glazier
- Occupation: Glazier
- 【ANZSCO】333111
- Occupation List: MLTSSL
- Assessing Authority: TRA
- Course: Certificate III in Glass and Glazing
- Duration & Cost:
1 year ｜ approx. AUD 8–12k per year
A relatively niche occupation with lower competition and high stability.
IV. The Only Major Challenge to Note, The TRA skills assessment process takes longer, but in reality:
- The timeline can be planned in advance
- Study and work can be undertaken simultaneously
- Once the assessment is approved, the rest of the pathway is very smooth
V. Is This Pathway Right for You?
This pathway is highly suitable if you:
- Do not want to compete on high points
- Do not want to pursue academic-heavy degrees
- Value PR, income, and long-term stability
Skilled trade migration is genuinely worth serious consideration.
VI. One-Sentence Summary
Australian migration is not limited to the traditional “big three”. Low points, high income, and real skills — blue-collar trades are the true long-term strategy.
