Hands-on Trade Master

Get a trade to stay local, or to move around. Mechanic, sparky, chippy, builder, fitter or turner – you have the skilled hands that could cover any of these trades. Learn more about the industries you could crack into, the funding opportunities out there, and where to connect with others in this area.

Pathways

• Get hands-on skills as part of a vocational qualification through TAFE, local training programs or suppliers like Australian Trade Training College. Check out these trade courses to see what sparks your interest. There are heaps of different areas, such as: 

  • building trades (e.g. electrician, carpenter, plumber)

  • mechanical trades (e.g. auto mechanic, locksmith)

  • industrial trades (e.g. ironworker, metal fabricator)

  • medical trades (e.g. dental assistant, paramedic, lab technician).

• For information on pathways into an apprenticeship or traineeship, see the Australian Apprenticeships website. 

• Have a look at current job opportunities on boards like SEEK or Ethical Jobs. For roles specific to First Nations job hunters, you can search for ‘Aboriginal Identified jobs’ or filter for Indigenous jobs. Koori Mail, Our Mob and Indigenous Employment Australia are job boards created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are worth a look, too. You could even ask your local tradies about apprenticeships.

• For examples of First Nations–led trades or businesses you could join, check out Supply Nation, a directory of over 4500 verified Indigenous businesses in every state and territory.

Funding

There are a range of financial support options available for First Nations young people looking to learn a trade, including Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans and Tailored Assistance Employment Grants.

For more info about financial support, visit institution websites. Many TAFEs and universities offer funding for First Nations students. It’s also worth exploring ABSTUDY, AIEF’s scholarship program and Aurora Foundation’s Indigenous Pathways Portal for any relevant scholarship opportunities.

Networking

• Look up local trade networks and associations to build connections and find opportunities. There are national groups just for mob out there, too, like Indigenous Business Australia, or state-based organisations like the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) and the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce Victoria.

• Connect with a mentor through the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) or AIME. For specific tradie advice, Tradiematepro, Tradesformation, Trades Women Australia and BuildUp Australia are all worth a look.

• CareerTrackers supports First Nations students from Year 12 and throughout university to connect with employers and participate in paid, multi-year internships.

• Yalari’s Pathways Program helps to prepare students for life after school and to navigate the transition to higher education, vocational training and employment.

• AIEF offers career support for First Nations students from Year 11 onwards, assisting with goal setting and applications for higher education, training or employment opportunities.

• Connect with a mentor through AIEF or AIME. 

What else would you be good at?

Hit up the quiz again to see where else your skills, interests or passions could take you. Or, jump ahead to learn more about the other quiz outcomes and how to get started on those instead.

• More into the latest tech trends and gadgets? Being a Tech Head might be your calling.

• Ready to build and create? Explore how to become an Engineer for the Real World.

• All about helping others and being there for mob? Being a Health Profesh could be just the thing!

• Inspired by the many wonders of the world? Being a So Sciency Scientist could be for you.

• Want to inspire and educate young ones? Get Schooled and make it happen.

• All about expressing yourself? Unlock your Creative Mode, share new ideas and celebrate your culture. 

• Keen to stay close to mob and to uplift your community? Discover how to be Socially Savvy and advocate for others.

• Got a mad new idea? Start your journey as a Deadly Entrepreneur.

• Love delivering exceptional service for community? Get thriving as a Main Street Hero.