Trades Recruitment – Market Commentary November 2024
Welcome to the Trades Commentary for November 2024. Our specialist Trades recruiters, who are themselves fully qualified tradespeople, offer the following insights. If you seek further information or wish to explore our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha Richter on 0413 783 157 or email samanthar@australiawide.
Following are our observations in the key trades and technical sectors we operate in:
Boilermakers and Welders:
Demand for boilermakers and welders remains exceptionally high, with skilled professionals showing minimal interest in changing employers unless compelling incentives are presented. Travel continues to be a significant challenge for tradespeople in these roles, underscoring the need for more localised opportunities. Additionally, the market is witnessing an uptick in second-class welders pursuing certifications to achieve full qualifications, signalling a proactive response to skill shortages.
Industrial Maintenance Electricians and Maintenance Fitters:
Both roles remain in high demand, with candidates being selective about their career moves. A continued influx of domestic and commercial electricians transitioning into industrial roles presents a significant recruitment opportunity for companies that provide training or clear pathways for industrial experience.
Data Centre Technicians:
This sector is facing significant candidate shortage, with high demand for those experienced in critical environments. Many applicants hold skilled visas and seek employers offering permanent residency sponsorship. Competitive salaries for these in-demand roles range from $125,000 to $140,000. Filling shift-based positions remains a challenge, potentially requiring employers to reassess compensation and benefits to attract suitable candidates.
Field Service Technicians:
Field service technicians are in high demand, particularly across the construction, mining, and manufacturing sectors. Despite this, less than 50% of advertised roles have been filled in recent quarters, according to Seek. Extended travel remains a barrier, making it crucial for employers to offer competitive compensation and strategies that address the impact of frequent travel on employees’ work-life balance.
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics:
The availability of candidates for heavy vehicle mechanic roles continues to be limited. However, light vehicle mechanics seeking to transition into heavy vehicle roles present a potential talent pool. Unlike previous years, fewer clients are offering upskilling opportunities, though sponsorship remains an attractive option for many applicants already residing in Australia. Candidates willing to switch roles are increasingly seeking hourly rates $5 above current market norms, emphasising the need for competitive pay and incentives to attract talent.
Plumbers and HVAC Technicians:
Whilst there is a slight increase in candidate availability for plumbers and HVAC technicians, supply still falls far short of market demand. Candidates are often seeking hourly rates $5–$7 above standard offers, and many applicants are sponsorship visa holders or overseas-based. Clients conducting multiple interview rounds risk losing candidates to faster-moving competitors, highlighting the importance of streamlined hiring processes.
General Market Trends & Insights:
Companies bound by outdated EBAs have an opportunity to review and update agreements to remain competitive and attract top talent.
The majority of candidates prefer day shifts, 4×10-hour workweeks and rostered days off (RDOs) to enhance work-life balance.
Positions involving afternoon, night, or rotating shifts remain challenging to fill.
The current market presents both challenges and opportunities for employers in the trades and technical sectors. By understanding candidate expectations, adopting flexible recruitment strategies, and offering competitive packages, organisations can effectively navigate this competitive landscape and secure the skilled workforce they need.
