The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has released data which shows that just over 57,000 people completing apprentices in the state last year. This number is comparable to last centuries figures and is half what it was five years ago.

These figures follow data released in October 2017 by online tradie marketplace, hipages.com.au, which shows that Victorian plumbers were the highest paid tradies in Australia, at an average $95.28 per hour.

Laser Group Management CEO Steve Keil believes that parents and teachers should inform their children and students that qualifications are not limited to University degree and promote the qualification options available through apprenticeships.

“Today’s tradies are more than just the blokes that unblock your toilet or install your light fixtures” says Keil.

“Many go on to run successful businesses and, in some cases, even leave the trade to become leaders in the industry.”

“We encourage our children to aspire to become Doctors and Lawyers, thinking that a university degree equals success, but not everyone can be a Doctor or a Lawyer. And a university degree doesn’t always guarantee success. A great tradie in today’s work climate is continually upgrading their knowledge and, in some cases will specialise in areas like renewable energy, further building on their ability to increase their income potential.”

“For those who build on their trade knowledge to become an electrical engineer, there is also evidence that this is one of the few industries where there is pay parity between men and women. Another reason for parents of daughters not to close their minds to trade career options.”

Laser Group Management is an electrical and plumbing contracting network based in both Australia and New Zealand, with more than 2,300 staff employed within its network.