The Next Generation: Attracting Young People to Trade Careers
Australia’s future workforce is in the making, and trade careers are at the centre of it.
Whether it’s electricians keeping the lights on or fabricators building the structures we rely on, trades are central to everyday life. Yet employers often find it hard to attract young people into these careers.
The good news? With the right approach, you can attract motivated, capable apprentices and early-career tradespeople who will grow with your business.
Why Trade Careers Appeal to Young People
Young Australians increasingly value practical, hands-on work that delivers real outcomes. Trade careers offer exactly that, alongside nationally recognised qualifications, paid on-the-job training, and a direct pathway to stable employment.
For Gen Z, who are entering the workforce now, purpose matters as much as pay. Trades tick both boxes by offering meaningful work and strong long-term earning potential.
Despite the benefits, there are still barriers that deter young people from entering apprenticeships and trade careers. Common misconceptions include:
Trades are “second choice” compared to university pathways
Apprenticeships don’t offer career progression
The work is unstable or limited to physical labour
Employers play a key role in challenging these myths. Promoting stories of successful apprentices who have gone on to leadership roles, started their own businesses, or specialised in emerging industries (like renewable energy) helps show that trades are modern, respected, and rewarding.
Creating Youth-Friendly Recruitment Strategies
If you want to attract young candidates, your recruitment process needs to meet them where they are.
Some effective approaches include:
Digital-first outreach: Advertise apprenticeships and entry-level trades jobs on social media and platforms young people use daily.
School partnerships: Work with schools and career advisors to showcase real trade career options. Site tours, work experience placements, and trade fairs make opportunities tangible.
Clear pathways: Spell out what an apprenticeship involves, what support is provided, and the career prospects after completion. Young people are more likely to apply if they can see the bigger picture.
Partnering with a specialist: Working with an apprentice recruitment partner like MiRecruit ensures candidates are properly screened, prepared, and matched to the right trade and host employer. This not only makes the hiring process smoother but also improves retention and long-term success.
Supporting Success Beyond Recruitment
Attracting young people is only the beginning. Retaining them is just as important.
Apprentices often need guidance navigating workplace expectations, training requirements, and career goals.
Providing structured mentorship, regular feedback, and opportunities to learn beyond the basics can make the difference between someone dropping out and someone thriving in their trade.
For many employers, managing all the compliance, training coordination, and mentoring that comes with apprenticeships can be overwhelming.
That’s where MiRecruit’s Outsourced Apprentice Management service makes a difference. We take care of the administration and provide dedicated coaching support so you can focus on developing your future workforce without the red tape.
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
Attracting young people to trade careers isn’t just about filling vacancies, it’s about investing in the future of your industry.
By breaking down barriers, modernising recruitment, and supporting apprentices to succeed, employers can shape the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
With MiRecruit as your trades recruitment and apprentice management partner, you’ll have the confidence to hire, support, and retain the talent that will power Australia’s future.
Get in touch to find out how MiRecruit can help your business.
