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If you’re considering going into a trade or labour, then you’ve got a broad range of options open to you. Both areas have endless job opportunities, but first, you should decide whether you want to work in labour or trade. The following information should help you develop knowledge of both fields, and enable you to understand which may be better suited to you.

Tradesperson
Description: A manual worker who is skilled in particular trade or craft. They have a high level of knowledge of their trade, both practically and theoretically. They initially complete an apprenticeship under the instruction of an experienced tradesperson, while also attending an institute of technology to learn about the particular trade. After a number of years – often four – they are able to practice as a fully-qualified tradesperson.

Examples: Artisan, Blacksmith, Bricklayer, Builder, Butcher, Cabinet Maker, Cable Joiner, Carpenter, Cement Mason, Cobbler, Electrician, Flooring tradesman, Insulator, Ironworker, Locksmith, Machinist, Mechanic, Millwright, Mobile Heavy Machinery Operator, Painter, Plasterer, Plumber, Renovator, Roofer, Solderer, Steeplejack, Stonemason, Tiler, Watchmaker, and Welder.

Personal Requirements: Depending on their specialisation, tradespersons need to be in good physical health and fitness, including no allergies to dust. They need good hand-eye coordination, an aptitude for mathematical calculations, and an ability to produce work to a high level of accuracy, following written instructions. In terms of personality, they need to enjoy manual and practical work, and gain satisfaction out of their particular specialisation. 

Pros: Tradespersons (“Tradies”) work with skill and precision, and gain satisfaction out of doing a good job. It’s active work that keeps both the mind and body busy.

Cons: There are dangers involved in many of the trades, and injuries and even death is not unheard of in this industry. This work also goes ahead regardless of weather, and so in many cases, tradespeople have to tolerate the cold, rain, frost, and burning heat while they work.

Labourer
Description: A labourer provides manual labour services, and is usually a part of a construction team. They are commonly referred to as construction workers, and fill the role of an assistant to tradespersons. They are highly valuable and construction work could not be done without them. Labourers use hand tools, power tools, air tools, blasting, small heavy equipment, and continue to embrace the advancing technology in construction. No formal qualifications are necessary, but most employers prefer labourers to have training or secure trade certifications. Finishing high school through to Year 12 is also desirable, and experience in other trade jobs is necessary to qualify for labourer positions. 

Typical areas of work: Concreting, Demolition, Fences, Hazardous Waste, Landscaping, Paving, or just about any trade choice.

Labourers’ tasks vary depending on the instructions they are given, but commonly they include unloading materials, operating machinery and equipment, shovelling, cleaning surfaces, and mixing concrete. Overall, their responsibility is to lend their assistance to the skilled tradespersons so that the construction process runs smoothly.

Personal Requirements: Labourers need to be in good physical health and fitness. They need clear eyesight, good hand-eye-coordination, and balance. In terms of personality, they should be patient, reliable, and able to obey superiors. 

Pros: Jobs as labourers can often be used as stepping stones to get into more specialised trade jobs. It is also easier to get straight into work as a labourer than a tradesperson, since an apprenticeship is not strictly necessary. There is the option to work full-time, part-time or on contracts.

Cons: Labourers don’t get the recognition they deserve for their work, since they are not generally seen as ‘skilled’ manual workers. The job can be physically strenuous, with a lot of heavy lifting, kneeling, crouching or crawling, and workers may be exposed to fumes, chemicals, loud noises, or dangerous machinery.    

You should now be able to make a distinction between tradies and labourers, and possibly know which direction you would like to take. To help you make a fully informed decision, read up on the different trades. That way, when you begin your apprenticeship or start training as a labourer, you know that you’ve made an informed choice.