Do you want to start a career in the skilled trade profession? If so, obtaining a trade license would be necessary to establish yourself as a professional in your field.

A trade license demonstrates your competency and knowledge in your profession and allows you to legally offer your services to clients in Australia.

However, one may find the process of obtaining a trade license daunting and confusing, especially when one is not familiar with the requirements and regulations.

But don't worry; in this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about how to get your trade license in Australia.

Understanding trade licenses

Before looking at obtaining a trade license, let's quickly understand its purpose and purpose.

Having a trade license gives you legal authorization that you are allowed to perform specific trade activities in a particular jurisdiction. In Australia, state and territory government bodies issue these licenses.

Australia has no one-size-fits-all trade license; several trade licenses are available depending on the specific trade activity you wish to undertake.

Electrician, plumber, builder, carpenter, etc., all need to apply for their specific trade licenses, which comes with their own set of requirements and application process; hence determine what type of trade license you need before starting the application process.

Eligibility requirements for trade licenses

There will be some general requirements to be eligible to obtain a trade license. Firstly, you must be 18 years of age or above. Secondly, you must hold a relevant qualification in the trade activity you wish to begin. The qualification may include a certification, diploma, or trade apprenticeship, depending on the trade activity. And you may also need to have several years of experience in the trade.

Some professions may need special requirements. For example, an electrician in Australia must work under supervision for a minimum of 12 months. During this time, they just need to complete the LEA theory and practical assessments at any ESV-approved center. Plumbers, conversely, need to complete a 4-year apprenticeship under a licensed professional and get a Certificate III or IV in Plumbing.

The application process for a trade license

Once you find out the trade license eligibility, you can begin with the application process. Although the application process is the same all over the country but may have some slight variations depending on the state you are in.

The process generally involves filing out an application form and providing documentation supporting your profession, such as proof of identity and qualification.

Download the application form and find detailed information on the required documents to start the application process.

When filling out the application form, make sure the information you provide is accurate and complete, as failing to do so may result in your application being rejected.

You may also need to undergo a background check as part of the application process. This background check may include a police check or a working under supervisor check, depending on your trade profession's requirement.

Once you submit the application, wait for the relevant authorities to process your application. Generally, the process takes 30 business days (6 weeks) but may take up to 10-12 weeks, depending on the number of applications in the line and the complexity of your application.

After approval of your application, you'll receive your trade license. Ensure to read and understand the conditions of your license, including any restrictions or ongoing requirements. Also, make sure to renew your license before it expires to keep your legal status as a professional in your trade profession.

The trade licenses have a validity of one to three years, and once they expire, you need to renew them within the grace period. You'll need to complete the application online and pay the renewal fee to renew the license.

Conclusion

Obtaining a trade license helps you establish yourself as a professional in your trade profession. While applying for the license, knowing the eligibility requirement, application process, and other formalities is essential. You should also be aware of any training and assessment requirements and renewal periods.

Ensure you're meeting your trade profession's relevant regulations and industry standards. Stay up-to-date with the latest practices and technologies to maintain your license and progress in your career.