Trade Courses in Australia
Carpentry, Electrical, Automotive and More
Last Updated: 2 Sep 2026
Trade courses in Australia are delivered as packaged Certificate III and IV qualifications (sometimes including a Diploma), combining classroom training with practical, hands-on skills.
Most trade occupations are assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), not AITSL, AASW or ACWA. Many trade skills assessments also require you to complete the Job Ready Program (JRP) - a period of supervised, paid trade work in Australia after your course - before a positive assessment is issued.
Key takeaways:
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Trade courses are packaged Certificate III + IV qualifications, generally 1.5 to 2 years depending on the trade.
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Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is the assessing body for most trade occupations - not AITSL, AASW or ACWA.
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Many trades require the Job Ready Program (JRP) - supervised paid work experience - as a step after your course and before your skills assessment.
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Looking for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration specifically? See its own Air Conditioning & Refrigeration course page.
Carpentry
Courses:
Electrician
Courses:
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Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician - Electrician
Automotive
Courses:
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Automotive Package (Certificate III + Certificate IV + Diploma) - Motor Mechanic, Automotive Electrician
Fabrication & Welding
Courses:
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Certificate IV in Engineering (Fabrication & Welding) - Fabricator, Welder
Cabinet Making
Courses:
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Cabinet Making Package - Cabinetmaker
Painting & Decorating
Courses:
Not sure which trade suits you, or interested in a different field entirely? Browse courses for PR in Australia by occupation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)?
TRA is the government-recognised body that assesses trade qualifications and experience for most trade occupations in Australia, including Carpenter, Electrician, and Automotive trades - separate from AITSL (teaching), AASW (social work) or ACWA (community services).
Do I need to complete the Job Ready Program after my trade course?
For many trade occupations, yes. The Job Ready Program (JRP) is a period of supervised, paid trade work in Australia that TRA requires as evidence before it issues a positive skills assessment. Requirements vary by specific occupation - book a consultation to confirm what applies to your trade.
Which trade course should I choose if I'm not sure?
It depends on your interest and physical work preference - carpentry and cabinet making involve woodworking and construction, electrician and fabrication involve technical and metalwork skills, and automotive suits those interested in vehicle mechanics. All are delivered as Certificate III/IV packages with similar entry requirements.
Is Air Conditioning and Refrigeration part of this page?
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration is also a trade occupation, but it has its own dedicated course page - see the link above.
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