Trade Earnings Calculator
Your Trade Profile
Your Earnings Timeline
What You Need to Start
- Basic Tool Kit $150-$200
- Course Cost $0-$200 (Subsidized)
- Time Commitment 2-3 hours/day
Want to start earning fast-not in six months, not in a year, but in weeks? You don’t need a degree, you don’t need to take out loans, and you don’t need to sit through lectures that feel irrelevant. The quickest trade to learn isn’t something you study in a classroom. It’s something you do-with your hands, your focus, and a few solid hours a day.
Why trades beat degrees for speed
A four-year degree costs tens of thousands and leaves you with debt and no job guarantee. A trade? You can start earning real money in under 90 days. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 70% of skilled trade jobs don’t require a bachelor’s degree. And in Australia, the government’s Skills Priority List includes electricians, plumbers, and welders as roles with serious shortages. These aren’t just jobs-they’re careers with stable pay, overtime, and room to grow.Here’s the truth: most online courses promise "learn to code in 30 days" and deliver fluff. But trades? They’re measurable. You fix a leaky pipe. You wire a socket. You install a solar panel. You get paid for results, not certificates.
The top 3 quickest trades to learn (and how)
1. Electrical Assistant (Residential Wiring) You don’t need to become a licensed electrician right away. Start as an assistant. In Australia, you can begin training through TAFE or private providers like Trade Skills 4 U or BlueScope Training. Many offer 6-8 week intensive courses in basic residential wiring, safety protocols, and reading blueprints. You’ll learn how to install outlets, light switches, and circuit breakers under supervision.Real-world example: A 22-year-old in Perth completed a 7-week course, got hired as a helper by a local electrician, and earned $28/hour within three weeks. By month two, they were doing simple installations alone. No university. No debt. Just skills.
2. Plumbing Helper (Drain & Pipe Repair) Plumbing is always in demand. Leaky taps, clogged drains, broken water heaters-these don’t wait for spring. You can start learning through short courses in pipe fitting, drain clearing, and fixture installation. Providers like Plumbing Academy Australia offer 4-6 week hands-on programs. You’ll learn how to use pipe cutters, PVC cement, wrenches, and diagnostic tools.One student in Brisbane finished a 5-week course, got certified in basic plumbing safety, and landed a job with a local handyman service. They now earn $30/hour and work 4 days a week. Weekend jobs? Extra cash.
3. Solar Panel Installer Australia leads the world in rooftop solar. Over 3.5 million homes have panels. And there’s a massive shortage of trained installers. You can complete a nationally accredited Certificate II in Solar PV Installation in as little as 6 weeks. Courses cover panel mounting, inverter wiring, safety standards, and grid connection rules.In Sydney, a 28-year-old single parent took a 6-week course through Green Energy Training. By week 5, they were shadowing crews. By week 8, they were on the roof installing panels. Now they earn $35/hour with bonuses for completing jobs fast.
What you actually need to get started
You don’t need fancy tools. You don’t need to own a van. You need three things:- A reliable internet connection
- A smartphone or tablet
- Under $200 in basic tools
For electrical: a voltage tester, screwdrivers, wire strippers, and safety gloves. For plumbing: pipe wrench, plunger, tape measure, and PVC primer. For solar: insulated gloves, torque wrench, and a ladder with safety straps.
Most training programs include tool kits or discounts. Some even offer payment plans. And once you’re working, your employer might supply the rest.
Where to find real training (not scams)
There are hundreds of "learn a trade online" courses that charge $500 and give you a PDF. Avoid them. Look for these signs of legitimacy:- Course is nationally accredited (AQF Level I or II)
- Includes hands-on practice, not just videos
- Offers job placement or apprenticeship connections
- Has reviews from past students on Google or Facebook
- Is run by a licensed tradesperson or TAFE
Stick to these trusted providers in Australia:
- TAFE NSW, TAFE QLD, TAFE SA
- Trade Skills 4 U (NSW/QLD)
- Plumbing Academy Australia
- Green Energy Training (NSW/ACT)
- Master Builders Association training programs
Many of these offer government-subsidized training. If you’re under 25, or a job seeker, you might pay $0 or under $100.
How fast can you really earn?
Here’s a realistic timeline for someone starting from zero:- Week 1-2: Enroll in a 6-week course. Study 1-2 hours per night.
- Week 3-4: Start hands-on practice. Build a small project at home (like rewiring a lamp or fixing a leaky faucet).
- Week 5: Apply for entry-level assistant roles on Seek, Indeed, or local Facebook groups.
- Week 6: Get hired as a helper. Earn $25-30/hour.
- Week 8: Start doing simple tasks alone. Earn $30-35/hour.
- Month 3: You’re making $1,200-$1,500 a week before taxes.
That’s more than most entry-level office jobs. And you’re building something tangible. Something people need.
Common mistakes to avoid
Don’t fall for these traps:- "Learn everything online." Trades are physical. You need to touch tools, feel resistance, see sparks. Videos alone won’t cut it.
- "Wait until you’re ready." You’ll never feel 100% ready. Start before you think you’re prepared.
- "I’m too old." The average age of new apprentices in Australia is 32. It’s never too late.
- "It’s too hard." It’s not hard-it’s different. You’re learning a language of tools, not textbooks.
What’s next after you learn?
Once you’ve got your first job, here’s how to grow:- Get your formal certification (Certificate III in your trade)
- Work under a licensed tradesperson for 2-4 years
- Apply for your own license (electrician, plumber, etc.)
- Start your own small business or join a crew as a lead hand
Many electricians in Australia earn $100,000+ by their mid-30s. Plumbers often make $120,000 with overtime. Solar installers are in such demand that companies offer signing bonuses of $5,000.
This isn’t a side hustle. It’s a career path with real upward mobility-no student loans, no waiting, no guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I learn a trade without any experience?
Yes. Most trade courses are designed for absolute beginners. You don’t need to know how to use a screwdriver. You just need to show up, pay attention, and be willing to get dirty. The training starts from the ground up.
Is it too late to start if I’m over 30?
Not at all. In Australia, over 40% of new apprentices are over 30. Many are parents, former office workers, or people switching careers. Employers value maturity, reliability, and work ethic-qualities you’ve already built.
How much does it cost to start?
You can start for under $500. Many government-subsidized courses cost $0-$200 if you qualify. Basic tools cost $150-$200. Some providers include tools in the fee. Avoid courses that charge over $1,000 upfront without a clear job path.
Do I need a driver’s license?
Not always, but it helps. Many jobs require travel to different sites. If you don’t drive, look for roles in cities with public transport access or join a crew that provides transport. Some companies hire assistants who work locally.
Are these jobs safe?
Yes, if you follow training. All accredited courses teach workplace safety, including how to use PPE, handle electricity safely, and avoid falls. Employers are legally required to provide safety gear and supervision. The risk is lower than in many office jobs when done right.