Often, students completing their final years of school have already decided on pursuing a career in the trades. The more difficult decision is which trade to choose! With so many options, it can feel like a lucky dip making sure you pick the one that suits you best.

Choosing a trade isn’t about guessing, it’s about finding a path that suits your interests, strengths, and goals. And if your first choice doesn’t feel right, it’s not the end of the world. AGA is here to help you explore a range options and keep you on track toward a rewarding and sustainable career.

Start by considering your strengths

Anybody who is happy in their chosen career will tell you they are doing what they love. And often we love doing what we’re naturally good at. So it makes sense when choosing a trade to first think about your strengths – what you enjoy and what you think you might be good at.

Start with your learning style.

Do you prefer hands-on work where you can see and feel progress? Are you more visual, or do you enjoy solving problems and figuring out how things work? These clues can point you toward trades that match how you learn best.

Next, consider your interests.

Do you like building and creating? Are you drawn to caring for people, intrigued by mechanical systems or a wizard at all things technology? Your passions often align with the tasks you’ll enjoy most on the job.

Finally, think about your personality traits.

Are you patient and detail-oriented, practical and reliable or energetic and creative? Different trades call for different qualities, and understanding yours can help you choose a career where you’ll thrive.

Being able to identify your strengths, interests and traits will also inform the team at AGA and help them guide you in the right direction.

Trade profiles based on strengths

Carpentry – for hands-on makers, visual thinkers, people who like building things

Electrical – for problem-solvers, analytical thinkers, safety-aware students

Plumbing – for practical, mechanically minded people who like varied work

Education Support – patient, caring, structured, great communicators

Business Traineeships – organised, process-driven, people-oriented

Automotive – mechanical thinkers, curious about how things work

Which trades are the best option for secure and stable work

In Victoria, many trades are experiencing strong growth and high demand, especially in areas like construction, electrical, plumbing, and automotive. This means more opportunities for secure employment and long-term career stability.

According to the Victorian Government’s Labour Market Report, about 392,000 new workers are expected to enter the Victorian workforce by 2027, including 68,600 in the construction industry alone. Many of them will need VET qualifications, including apprenticeships and traineeships. Apprenticeships Victoria can also offer some useful tips to what’s out there and where to start.

An apprenticeship doesn’t just give you hands-on experience; it sets you up for the future. Completing your training can open doors to running your own business, working on large-scale projects, or even moving into teaching and mentoring roles within the industry.

It’s a pathway that combines earning while learning with the chance to build a career that grows as you do.

How AGA can help you choose

Taking the first step toward a trade career can feel like venturing into the unknown, but you don’t have to do it alone. AGA’s career advisors are here for you and ready to guide you through every stage – from exploring your options to securing an apprenticeship that suits your skills and interests.

We work closely with employers across Victoria, so we know where the opportunities are and which trades are in demand. Our team can help match your strengths to the right pathway, prepare for interviews, suggest a range of options and support you throughout your training.

Whether you’re aiming for a hands-on role, planning to run your own business or dreaming of being a leader and mentor within the industry, AGA provides the tools and support to make it happen.

How to Get Started

Ready to take the next step toward your trade career? Start by exploring our current apprenticeship vacancies to see what opportunities are available right now.

If you’re not quite sure which trade is the best fit, join our talent pool – this a great way to stay connected and hear about new roles as they come up.

And if you’d like personalised advice, simply submit an enquiry to speak with one of AGA’s friendly career advisors. We’ll help you choose the right trade, answer your questions, and guide you through every stage of the process.

Your future in the trades could start today – we’re here to help kickstart your career.