How to Become a Tradie in Australia: The Full Pathway

The standard route into an Australian trade follows a similar shape regardless of which trade you're chasing, though the specifics (duration, TAFE structure, licence exam) vary.

The general pathway

• Find an employer willing to take on an apprentice — directly, or through a Group Training Organisation (GTO)
• Sign a formal training contract, registered with your state's training authority
• Combine on-the-job work with TAFE or RTO study, usually block release or day release depending on the provider
• Progress through the qualification — typically around four years for a full apprenticeship, though this varies by trade
• Apply for your trade licence once qualified, through your state's regulator

Coming to it as a career-changer

Adult apprenticeships exist specifically for people switching careers later in life, and Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) can shorten the process if you already have relevant experience — see our RPL guide for how that works.