Vietnamese tradespeople: why 15,524 construction visas matter for your plans

Visa guide · 2026-09-10 · 3 min read

Are you a builder, electrician, carpenter or plumber in Vietnam? Do you wonder if Australia has work for you? Here is what a new industry report says, in simple words, and what you can prepare today.

Why this matters: 15,524 visas

In 2024–25, Australia issued 15,524 skilled construction visas. This is the highest yearly total in a decade. Skilled visas for construction workers have tripled since 2019.

That shows a system that is opening up. But it does not mean a visa is easy or certain. Each visa has its own rules.

How big is the worker gap?

The report says that without major action, Australia could be short of about 935,600 tradies and construction workers by 2035. Even with every reform, it would still be short by more than 84,000.

Why? Australia plans about $242 billion of infrastructure work over the next five years. It is also moving to net-zero energy. Not enough new tradespeople are being trained. Another study sees a gap of 300,000 workers around 2027.

What the government is doing

$85 million this budget cycle to speed up skills recognition for migrants already in Australia.
A $10,000 incentive for new apprentices in housing construction.
More Free TAFE places.

The report says faster recognition for qualified workers already in Australia could unlock over 18,000 workers almost at once. This shows that recognition of skills is a big focus.

Which trades?

The report talks about carpentry, electrical, plumbing and civil construction. A gap that lasts to 2035 suggests long-term need, not a short spike.

What to prepare in Vietnam

Skills check. Vietnamese certificates and degrees are usually assessed again abroad. In Australia, this is a skills assessment.
Visa options. Look at the official visa list and the skill occupation list.
English test. Take IELTS or PTE if the visa or employer needs it.
Police certificate. When it is requested, you will usually need the Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp số 2).
Translations. Get certified English translations of your Vietnamese documents.

Keep yourself safe

Deal only with licensed organisations and real employers. Never pay an unlicensed broker. Be careful with anyone who asks for money upfront to secure a job or a visa.

Build a strong CV

Write your trade tickets, licences, machines and projects in clear English. Add dates. Short, simple lines are best.

Think about your own situation

Ask yourself a few simple questions. Which trade do I work in? How many years have I done it? Which certificates can I show? Can I prove my work with letters, photos or pay records? Write the answers down. They will help you at every step, from the skills check to the CV.

Remember that the report speaks about the whole country, not about one job or one person. It does not promise a visa or a job to anyone.

Start with small steps. Good paperwork makes every later step easier.

#trade jobs #australia #vietnamese workers #construction #skills recognition #jobs in australia for vietnamese workers