Trades Recruitment – Market Commentary March 2025
The demand for skilled tradespeople across Australia remains high, with several sectors continuing to face acute talent shortages. Whilst some industries are seeing a slight increase in candidate availability, competition for top talent remains fierce, and many tradespeople are hesitant to move without strong incentives. Wage expectations are rising, and employers looking to secure skilled workers must consider competitive salaries, career development opportunities, and streamlined hiring processes. Below is an overview of current market trends across key trades categories.
Industrial Maintenance Electricians and Maintenance Fitters:
Demand for skilled tradespeople in industrial maintenance & installation remains strong, with candidates carefully considering their next career move. The ongoing transition of domestic and commercial electricians into industrial settings presents a valuable hiring opportunity for businesses that offer structured training or clear pathways to gain industrial experience. Companies willing to invest in upskilling talent can gain a competitive edge in securing skilled workers.
Plumbers, HVAC Technicians & Data Centre Technicians
Candidate availability in these sectors has improved slightly, but supply still falls short of demand. Many tradespeople are exploring opportunities, but few are making moves. Available candidates are asking for hourly rates $5 to $7 higher than current market offers, reflecting the competitive nature of the job market. A significant number of applicants hold sponsor visas or are actively seeking employer sponsorship. Additionally, clients requiring multiple interview stages risk losing candidates, as many competitors are extending job offers after a single interview.
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics
Candidate availability remains low, though there is a strong influx of light vehicle mechanics looking to transition into heavy vehicle roles. While some employers previously offered upskilling opportunities for LV mechanics, this has become less common. However, some companies are open to sponsoring candidates already residing in Australia. Skilled visa holders continue to apply in high numbers, seeking permanent employment and sponsorship. Generally, those ready to make a move are asking for $5 per hour more than standard market rates.
Boilermakers & Welders
Demand for boilermakers and welders remains high, driven by ongoing growth in mining, construction and manufacturing. However, many skilled tradespeople are reluctant to change employers without strong incentives, such as higher wages or career progression opportunities. FIFO roles continue to pose challenges, as extended time away from home impacts job appeal. To secure and retain talent, businesses must address workforce mobility issues and implement effective retention strategies.
Field Service Technicians
Field service technicians are also in high demand, particularly in the mining and manufacturing industries. According to Seek data, less than 50% of advertised roles in this sector have been filled over the past two quarters, underscoring the ongoing skills shortage. Employers looking to attract and retain talent may need to reassess compensation, benefits, and job flexibility to stay competitive in the current labour market.
CNC Machinists
The demand for CNC machinists remains strong, particularly within the Defence and Aerospace sectors, where major contracts continue to drive hiring across large engineering firms. Other high-demand industries include construction and mining, as well as medical device manufacturing. Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland remain key regions for CNC machinists. The market is expected to see continued growth as manufacturers invest in advanced automation and precision engineering. With steady demand across multiple sectors, skilled CNC machinists remain well-positioned for long-term career stability and competitive pay.
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].
