Trade assistant job description

A trade assistant supports other trade professionals, often in the construction, electrical, and mining industries. They are usually employed by a larger organisation that is completing substantial work, and requiring a team to ensure all aspects are covered.

Tasks and responsibilities for a trade assistant

Trade assistants work under the supervision of a senior tradesperson and are assigned tasks throughout the workday to assist in the smooth running of a project.

So, what does a trade assistant do? The responsibilities of a trade assistant can include:

Assisting tradespeople, contractors and operators with general labouring assistance
Operating hand and power tools and large machinery, like forklifts
Ensuring the worksite is clean, tidy and safe
Cleaning tools and equipment ensuring they’re ready for use
Following instructions from the supervisor and completing tasks within the specified timeframe

How to become a trade assistant

Although generally, a formal qualification is not required to begin an entry-level position as a trade assistant, there are steps job seekers can take to ensure you are prepared for the role. Prior training or experience will help you to stand out to prospective employers.

Study

Accredited and nationally recognised VET courses allow you to get familiar with the ins and outs of a job as a trades assistant. For example, gaining a Certificate I in Construction (CPC10120) or a Certificate II in Construction (CPC20120) are great ways to get the base level skills and make you an attractive prospect to employers.
Get a White Card

A White Card is needed by anyone wishing to work on an Australian construction site. To get one, you must complete a government course through an RTO (registered training organisation).

Pathway options

An entry-level trade assistant job can lead to other opportunities in your industry. It could also expose you to opportunities for further study or experience to obtain a more supervisory role.

Where a trade assistant career path can lead you? Here are some different job types:

Junior

Trade assistant

Most common qualification:
Cert II in Construction (CPC20120)
Pipelayer

Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Pipe Laying) (RII30920)
Road construction worker

Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Construction and Maintenance) (RII30920)
Traffic controller

Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Civil Construction (Traffic Management) (RII30920)

Mid

Builder

Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120)
Electrician

Most common qualification:
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)
Construction estimator

Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (CPC40120)
Building inspector

Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220)
Construction site foreman

Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (CPC40120)
Contract administrator

Most common qualification:
Certificate IV in Building Project Support (Contract Administrator) (CPC40320)

Senior

Construction project manager

Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320)
Construction manager

Most common qualification:
Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320)
Quantity surveyor

Most common qualification:
Bachelor of Construction Management

Studying a qualification through an RTO (registered training organisation) is an excellent way to gain some base skills and knowledge on trade support work and enhance your chances of getting a job when the time comes to apply.

White Card

A White Card is needed by anyone in Australia wishing to work on a construction site. If your trade assistant role requires you to work on a construction site or you want to be prepared for one that does, you will need to take a short course to gain the CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry qualification.

Sometimes employers will organise this training for you, but other times you will need to acquire this on your own before gaining a job.

Certificate I in Construction (CPC10120)

Study method In-class Online

This accredited VET course provides learners with an introduction to the construction industry, job roles within it and work expectations. The qualification covers workplace health and safety, industrial organisation structures, communication, planning, and tools and materials.

The skills achieved in this certification will assist in undertaking a Certificate II pre-vocational program or facilitate entry into an Australian Apprenticeship.

The CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry White Card qualification is one of the units covered in this course.

The average duration for this course is nine months.

Certificate II in Construction (CPC20120)

Study method In-class Online

This certification provides training for skills in a range of support tasks applicable to most construction worksites.

The elective options available are often structured to allow a choice of units aligned at the Certificate III level. Once completed, it could provide partial credit in a construction industry apprenticeship.

Electric units may also include a CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry White Card qualification. Check with your course provider for more information on this.

The average duration for this course is one year.

Apprenticeships

For formal and full qualifications in a trade, you might be interested in taking on a traineeship or Australian Apprenticeship.

Each of the following recognised VET courses is available as Australian Apprenticeships:

Cert IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920)
Cert IV in Carpentry
Cert IV in electrotechnology

Related subjects

Trade-based industries are always in need of new workers. Roles that involve hands-on work, problem-solving and keen attention to detail are available in many forms.

For an in-depth look into roles within the construction or trade industries, you can access a massive catalogue of articles, resources and tips on entering the workforce.