Trades Recruitment – Market Commentary June 2025
Industrial Electricians & Fitters
The first half of 2025 started quietly, as many employers looked to contain costs by managing recruitment internally or pausing recruitment altogether. However, since the Federal Election, there has been a noticeable uplift in recruitment activity, particularly in permanent and contract-to-permanent roles.
Candidates have shown a stronger willingness to move roles when better work-life balance is on offer. One standout example was a client offering 12-hour day and night shifts, operating on a 2-on/4-on fortnightly roster—this attracted an exceptional volume of applications, highlighting the demand for roster flexibility.
Maintenance Fitters and Industrial Electricians continue to be in strong demand. Clients offering cross-training opportunities, roster flexibility, and career progression pathways are experiencing the best hiring outcomes.
Market rates for permanent employment have remained steady over the past 12 months.
Data Centre Technicians & HVAC Technicians
Whilst candidate availability has improved slightly, it remains well below what is needed to meet current demand—particularly in Data Centres, where experienced Electrical & HVAC Technicians are in short supply.
We are seeing increased application rates from A-Grade Electricians keen to enter the data centre space, with strong interest in shift-based roles that offer predictable rosters. However, hiring delays remain a risk with many candidates exiting the process if it’s not streamlined.
Candidates are seeking $5–$7/hour above typical rates, and many applicants are on skilled visas or seeking employer sponsorship.
Boilermakers / Welders
Demand for Boilermakers and Welders continues to be fueled by the mining, construction, and manufacturing sectors. As of June, over 6,000 boilermaker roles are advertised nationally.
A growing number of roles, particularly in WA and QLD, are FIFO-based, offering high rates but requiring extended remote shifts. Hourly rates for Boilermakers average around $49, with some WA FIFO roles reaching $60–$75/hour.
Labour mobility remains a key challenge. Candidates are hesitant to relocate unless higher wages, better rosters, or defined career growth are offered. Additionally, tight housing availability in resource regions and stringent licensing/certification requirements are impacting candidate availability.
Employers are increasingly investing in internal training pipelines, apprenticeships, and exploring international recruitment where feasible.
Field Service Technicians
High demand persists for Field Service Technicians, particularly in the construction, mining, and heavy equipment sectors. According to SEEK data, less than 50% of roles have been filled over the past two quarters.
These positions require multi-skilled candidates with diagnostic, mechanical, and electrical troubleshooting capabilities. With the rise of automation and IoT integration, demand is shifting towards technicians with hybrid skillsets.
Flexible rosters, sign-on bonuses, and relocation incentives are being trialled to improve attraction and retention. A number of employers are also focusing on internal cross-skilling to futureproof their teams.
CNC Machinists
As of June 2025, over 800 CNC machinist positions are advertised nationally.. This demand is being driven by high-precision industries including aerospace, defence, medical device manufacturing, and automotive.
Whilst the Australian Government projects stable employment prospects in this area, around 80% of businesses report difficulties in recruiting or training CNC machinists.
Average annual salaries sit at $83,215, ranging from $68,250 for entry-level roles to $97,500 for experienced machinists. Hourly rates typically fall between $40–$50, depending on experience and region.
Heavy Vehicle Diesel Mechanics
Demand remains consistently high for Heavy Diesel Mechanics, underpinned by activity across mining, agriculture, transport, and civil construction. As of June 2025, SEEK lists over 2,600 open roles nationwide.
The projected shortfall of 25,000–30,000 mechanics by 2030 highlights the urgency to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Annual salaries range from $85,000 to $125,000 depending on sector and experience. Sponsorship opportunities are increasingly being offered to skilled visa holders currently in Australia.
Summary
The trades market across Australia remains strong, with high demand continuing across key sectors including mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, and heavy industry. While candidate movement is picking up in some areas, particularly where flexible rosters and career progression are offered, skills shortages, certification requirements, and candidate wage expectations continue to challenge employers.
Sectors like field service, heavy diesel, and CNC machining remain the most stretched, while early signs of improvement in data centre staffing suggest potential for growth if rosters and recruitment speed align with candidate expectations.
Employers investing in internal upskilling, faster recruitment cycles, and attractive rosters are seeing the best outcomes in this competitive environment.
These insights are provided by our specialist Trades recruiters, all of whom are fully qualified tradespeople with firsthand industry experience. If you’d like further insights or want to discuss how Australia Wide can support your hiring needs, please contact Samantha Richter at 0413 783 157 or [email protected].
