Trades Assistant
Support qualified tradespeople with maintenance and worksite tasks.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
-
5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Trades Assistant?
- How to become a Trades Assistant
- Latest Trades Assistant jobs
- Top skills and experience for Trades Assistants
- Is Trades Assistant the right role for you?
- Trades Assistant role reviews
What's it like to be a Trades Assistant?
A Trades Assistant is responsible for helping and supporting tradespeople and assisting with maintenance of worksites and equipment. Trades Assistants commonly work within the electrical, telecommunications, mining and building and construction industries. A Trades Assistant is an important member of a team who provides what tradespeople need in terms of equipment, tools and labouring support. Individuals who are self-motivated, reliable, hard working and with initiative are well suited to becoming a Trades Assistant.
Tasks and duties
- Supporting tradespeople, contractors and operators with general labouring assistance, by operating hand and power tools and by cleaning and preparing worksites.
- Ensuring the worksite and associated equipment is clean, safe, tidy and ready for use.
- Undertaking and completing assigned tasks with minimal supervision and in compliance with health and safety regulations.
How to become a Trades Assistant
Trades Assistant is often an entry-level position for those wishing to enter the building and construction, mining or telecommunications industries. Formal qualifications are not usually required.
- If you’re interested in entering the building and construction industry, gain a Construction Induction Card (White Card) by completing a short course with a Registered Training Organisation.
- Consider gaining additional licences or certifications which may be preferred by some employers. This could include a Forklift Licence, First Aid Certificate, Truck Licence and/or High Risk Work Licence. Some employers may also prefer you to have a current driver’s licence.
- After gaining some experience, consider undertaking on-the-job training or completing a TAFE course such as a Certificate II in Construction (CPC20120), Certificate II in Engineering (MEM20105) or Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220). These courses will allow you to build on the knowledge you’ve acquired on the job.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Trades Assistants.Latest Trades Assistant jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Trades Assistant jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Trades Assistant employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Using Power Tools
Forklift Licence
Construction Induction White Card
Using Hand Tools
Drivers Licence
Installation
Ability to Follow Direction
Working At Heights
Cleaning
Welding
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Trades Assistant reviews
Apr 2025
"Being a Trades Assistant was tough but rewarding—I got my hands dirty every day, learned practical skills from experienced tradespeople, and took pride in seeing projects come together, though the physical demands and repetitive tasks could be exhausting at times." indu
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeSmall (1-19 employees)
SpecialisationEngineering
The good thingsBeing a Trades Assistant (TA) in engineering is a physically demanding but rewarding entry-level role where you support engineers and tradespeople by preparing worksites, assisting with installations,...
The challengesHere’s what I’d personally find appealing about being a Trades Assistant in engineering, broken down into key points:
1. Hands-On Learning – Getting to work directly with tools, machinery, and engi...
Read more
Oct 2024
It's a good job that pays well but you need to make sure you are suited to this type of work environment
Reviewer's QualificationNational Certificate I in Gas Welding
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationConstruction
The good thingsBeing a trades assistant is pretty good considering all of the different jobs you may be working on. You might be doing the same thing for a while then find yourself working on a different project. Fo...
The challengesI guess it could be regarded as a pretty dirty job. You have to be always wary of workplace dangers as you are usually working close to other people on other jobs. These types of workplaces can be pre...
Read more
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
