Vietnamese students: could a trade course in Australia lead to steady work?

Tips · 2026-08-15 · 3 min read

Many students think a university degree is the only way to build a future in Australia. It is not. Australia needs many builders, and a trade course can be a strong and practical choice. This guide explains why, step by step.

Why does Australia need tradespeople?

Australia is building a lot of new things. There are new houses, roads, railways, schools and hospitals. But there are not enough workers. Here are the main reasons:

There is a shortage of homes, so house building stays busy.
The government is paying for big projects, such as roads, rail and public buildings.
Many tradespeople are close to retirement, and not enough young people are joining them.

This shortage is not short-term. It is likely to stay for a long time, which is good news if you plan for the future.

Three trade courses to know

These qualifications often open doors on Australian job sites:

CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry, for work as a carpenter.
CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying, for work as a bricklayer and blocklayer.
CPC31320 Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling, for work as a wall and floor tiler.

Almost every house and commercial building needs these skills, so they appear again and again on skills-shortage lists.

A certificate is only the start

Employers want workers with real skills, not just paper. On site, they value people who can read plans and drawings, use tools and machines safely, and follow Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) rules. They also like workers who measure carefully, solve problems early, finish work on time and understand building codes.

A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is a training provider approved to teach these courses. A good RTO combines classroom learning with supervised practice on a real worksite. This helps you feel ready for the job.

Your path, step by step

Choose a nationally accredited Certificate III trade course.
Practise hands-on skills while you study.
Follow the work conditions of your visa during your studies.
After you qualify, look for work through direct hiring, apprenticeship providers or labour hire agencies. A labour hire agency finds workers for other companies.

These qualifications are nationally recognised. That means employers across the country understand them, not only in the city where you studied. Please also remember that Vietnamese vocational certificates and degrees are usually assessed again in Australia. Keep certified English translations of your Vietnamese documents ready where the rules ask for them.

What about Perth?

Perth is in Western Australia. The state has strong resources and construction industries, so there is steady local demand for carpenters, bricklayers and tilers. Training providers in the city often focus on helping graduates reach this job market quickly.

Finding your first job

After your course, try these three ideas. Write a resume made for trades. Put your qualification, your tool skills and your work placement hours at the top. Next, contact apprenticeship and labour hire agencies, because many construction jobs are filled this way. Finally, ask your RTO for help. Many offer resume checks, interview practice and introductions to employers, and students often forget to use them.

A safe choice

Please choose courses and agents carefully. Deal only with licensed organisations and real employers, and never pay an unlicensed broker or anyone who asks for money upfront to "secure" a place or a visa. A trade qualification can give you real skills and a clear route into paid work.

#trade courses #study in australia #carpentry #bricklaying #tiling #vietnamese students