‘Harder’: New tradie trend sweeping Aus

A young tradie in training has revealed why there’s “no way” he’d be able to do something that used to just be considered normal.

Thousands of young people are ditching degrees and getting on the tools to get ahead.

Graham Tomkinson decided to become a tradie because, in his opinion, he couldn’t afford not to.

The 23-year-old was working full-time at a local market in Perth when he realised he couldn’t afford to study.

He wasn’t in a position where he could cut down on his working hours to upskill, which kept him trapped in a vicious cycle; earning enough to survive but not left with enough spare cash to invest in his further education.

The only workaround he could find was doing an apprenticeship that paid for his studies.

That way he could get ahead without falling behind on his bills.

Now, the young Aussie is studying mobile plant technology. When he finishes his TAFE course, he’ll be a qualified tradesperson who repairs, installs, and even maintains large equipment.

Mr Tomkinson said he was “lucky” to have scored an apprentice with Apprentices Are Us, which pays for his studies, so he doesn’t have to “worry.”

“It is so good I can do that at the same time as the apprenticeship. There is no way anyone can afford to just be a student these days,” he told news.com.au.

Graham used to work at the markets. Picture: Supplied

He didn't think he could afford to study. Picture: Supplied

While he’s still studying, Mr. Tomkinson isn’t rolling in money by any means, but he now gets to be excited about his future.

“I am being paid above award wages, but due to the cost of everything, I am still living pay check to pay check,” he said.

“Once I finish the apprenticeship due to the skills shortage, I will have great opportunities to be making good money.”

The upswing is that he has also found a field he is passionate about, and instead of just living week-to-week, he is working towards something.

“I’ve always had a fascination with engines and hydraulics. I was raised around cars and knew I wanted to make a life of it,” he said.

“My job at the markets meant I was struggling to afford my hobbies like dirt bike riding, four wheel driving and even pay for the parts to fix up cars.”

Of course, for now, he still has to be careful with what he earns.

“Due to the cost of living, I am unable to afford the vehicle I want unless I save for a very long time. Also, after paying rent and bills, I don’t have as much as I would like to enjoy my weekends,” he said.

He is now excited about his future. Picture: Supplied

Doing a trade is becoming more popular. Picture: Supplied

Ms Tomkinson said many people his age are now faced with a choice between getting ahead in a tough economy, and pursuing higher education. He has seen first-hand mates having to “choose” between studying or working.

“I do believe younger people have it harder nowadays, which is why I think many younger people are dropping out of school early just to start making decent money before they hit their 20s,” he said.

Apprenticeship Are Us LTD’s general manager Phil Cooksley said he had noticed an upswing in young people’s desire to do trades.

“In the 2021-22 financial year, we had 103 people commence their training. That number went up to 142 the following year,” Mr Cooksley said.

“And then in the 2023-24 financial year, we’ve had more than 240 people kickstart their careers.”

Mr Cooksley said the numbers aren’t surprising given how tough the times are for Gen Zers.

“With the current economic conditions, young people are actively choosing options where they cannot only further their education but actively earn money to sustain their lifestyle. Apprenticeships offer just that,” he said.

While Apprenticeships Are Us may have picked up on a surge in students, in 2023, a report by the National Centre for Vocational Education found that completion rates for apprentices and trainees have dropped.

Overall, the number of people starting trades is trending downwards, with the latest figures showing a 37 per cent drop in sign ups in the March quarter of 2023 compared to 2022.

Conversely, the number of people starting university is also dropping, with the 2022 enrollment cohort being the lowest in nine years.

This indicates many young people are choosing to simply enter the workforce after finishing school, with some also travelling abroad in the years post Covid.