More than 20,000 carpenters, electricians and plumbers from across the state have received Trade Papers since 2019.
Skills and TAFE minister Gayle Tierney welcomed the news and encouraged newly qualified tradies to display their Trade Papers with pride because they’re as valuable as a university degree.
A Trade Paper is a certificate awarded to those who successfully complete a recognised apprenticeship in Victoria, along with relevant formal training through a TAFE, trade school or registered training organisation (RTO).
Since Trade Papers were reintroduced in 2019, 7388 carpenters, 7027 electricians and 5641 plumbers have gained their qualifications – that’s 20,000 qualified tradies with the skills to build the homes Victorian needs.
More than 11,300 people completed a trade apprenticeship in 2023-23, an increase of 24.5 per cent compared to 2019-20 and 20,400 people started a trade apprenticeship in Victoria in the same period – an increase of 22.4 per cent.
Across the state, there are more than 54,800 trades apprentices currently gaining their qualifications – an increase of almost 19 per cent.
Many of the plumbers who have recently qualified are choosing to complete further training short courses to meet licensing or regulatory requirements in their field, so they can get into work sooner.
For more information about Trade Papers, visit vrqa.vic.gov.au. For more information about getting an apprenticeship, visit apprenticeships.vic.gov.au.
