There are many occupations included in the Technicians and Trades Workers category and people with these skills and professions may be able to enter Australia on a skilled migration visa arrangement

Who are Technicians and Trades Workers?

Technicians and Trades Workers perform a variety of skilled tasks, applying broad or in-depth technical, trade or industry specific knowledge, often in support of other professionals.

Technicians are professionals who apply scientific and engineering concepts to practical situations, often working in fields such as laboratory technology, engineering and information technology. They are responsible for conducting tests, experiments, and evaluations, as well as providing technical support in their respective areas of expertise. 

Trade workers, on the other hand, encompass a wide range of skilled individuals working in traditional trades and technical roles such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, and metal fabricators. They possess practical skills and knowledge related to their specific trade and are often involved in the construction, maintenance, and repair of infrastructure, equipment and systems.

What tasks can Technicians and Trades workers do?

Technicians and Trades Workers can carry out a wide range of tasks and can be found working in multiple industries and sectors in Australia. Technicians and Trades Workers can assist other professionals or carry out technical and specialised tasks without direct supervision. The types of tasks that Technicians and Trades Workers may carry out include:

• Conducting out tests and experiments, and providing technical support to professionals from the health, science and engineering sectors
• Guiding and support others to effective use information technology systems or computer hardware
• Repairing or working with metal, wood, glass and textile products
• Working on the repair of vehicles, machinery or electronics 
• Constructing, altering, fixing or finishing homes, buildings and other structures
• Using printing or binding equipment
• Cooking or preparing food
• Attending to, shearing, caring for, training and grooming animals, or assisting veterinary professionals
• Taking care of propagating and cultivating plants, or maintain outdoor spaces used for sport or recreation 
• Cutting and styling hair
• Using chemical, gas, petroleum and power generation equipment
• Supporting the production, recording and broadcasting of artistic performances

What are the Technicians and Trades workers ANZSCO categories?

• Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians (31) who perform tests and experiments, and who are involved in research, design, delivery and development of activities in the agricultural, medical, scientific , engineering or telecommunications industries
• Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers (32) who are involved in the maintenance of motor vehicles and aircrafts. This group includes Fabrication Engineers (322), Mechanical Engineers (323) and Panelbeaters, Trimmers and Painters (324)
• Construction Trades Workers (33) who work on or inside of buildings to construct and repair. They may provide painting, flooring, glass, drainage or other mechanical trade services. Construction Trades Workers include Bricklayers and Carpenters (331), Glaziers and Tilers (333) and Plumbers (334)
• Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers (34) who are professionals that work with electoral appliances, networks and systems, including Electricians (341) and Electronics and Telecommunications Workers (342)
• Food Trades Workers (35) who prepare foods to be served or work as bakers, butchers or other food industry staff
• Skilled Animal, Agricultural and Horticultural Workers (36) with subcategories including Animal Attendants and Trainers, and Veterinary Nurses (361), Horticultural Trades Workers (362) and Primary Production Supervisors and Specialists (363)
• Other Technicians and Trades Workers (39) which is a group for technicians and Trades Workers not classified in any other category or subcategory. It includes Hairdressers, Printing Trades Workers, Textile, Clothing and Footwear Trades Workers, and Wood Trades Workers

Related professions on the Australian skilled occupation list include: Air-conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics), Apparel cutters, Arborists, Bakers, Butchers, Camera Operators, Carpenters, Cooks, Dental Technicians, Electricians, Farriers, Florists, Gasfitters, Hairdressers, ICT Support Technicians, Locksmiths, Make Up Artists, Metal Fabricators, Mechanics, Plumbers, Sail Maker, Sign Writer, Telecommunications Technician and many more.

What visas can Technicians and Trades Workers apply for?

Dependent on areas of specialisation, visa categories for Technicians and Trade Workers can include: 

• 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
• 187 – Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
• 189 – Skilled Independent (subclass 189) – Points-Tested
• 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
• 407 – Training visa (subclass 407)
• 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) – Medium Term Stream
• 485 – Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) – Graduate Work
• 489 – Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) – Family sponsored
• 489 – Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) – State or Territory nominated
• 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) State or Territory nominated
• 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) Family Sponsored
• 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) – Employer sponsored stream

What qualifications do Technicians and Trades Workers need?

These occupations typically require a combination of practical skills, technical knowledge, and hands-on expertise in specialised areas. Technicians and trade workers will typically possess:

• AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2); or
• AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)
• AQF Certificate II or III, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

Technicians and Trades worker case study

Ravi is a highly skilled software engineer with several years of experience working for multinational IT companies in India. He possesses a solid educational background with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and has specialised in new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. 

Having aspired to broaden his horizons and explore international career opportunities, Ravi decided to pursue a work visa for Australia. As an ICT professional, Ravi encountered various challenges during the visa application process, including meeting the stringent skill assessment requirements set by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). 

Navigating the complex visa application procedures and understanding the skill occupation lists presented initial hurdles for Ravi until he contacted Jameson Law. We were able to support and guide Ravi through the visa process, including arranging for him to demonstrate proficiency in English language skills by undertaking the IELTS examination to satisfy the visa eligibility criteria. Upon receiving his Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Ravi relocated to Australia and immediately began working in the cyber security industry as an ICT Business Analyst.

Migration advice for Technicians and Trades Workers

With so many professions included in the Technicians and Trades Workers groups in the ANZSCO, it makes sense to seek assistance to apply for an Australian visa in one of these professions. Jameson Law has a skilled and experienced team of registered Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents to help you navigate the complex and confusing Australian system. We can make your application processes smoother and quicker, and ensure you get it right the first time. 

Over the years, many Technicians and Trades Workers applicants have been denied entry to Australia because they have not demonstrated they meet all the requirements. Don’t waste your time dealing with complicated documentation while you are offshore. Contact Jameson Law to make your move to Australia much easier.