Top 5 In-Demand Skilled Trades in Australia with Visa Sponsorship (2026)

Start here if you are a qualified tradesperson (a “tradie”) dreaming of working in Australia. While many articles focus on IT and healthcare, Australia has a massive, high-paying shortage of skilled trades. This is your guide to getting a sponsored work visa in Australia as a tradesperson.

Why read this? You will achieve three things:

1. Clarity: You will discover the top 5 in-demand trades that Australian employers are desperately seeking in 2026.
2. Confidence: You will learn about the main sponsorship visa for trades, the “Skills in Demand (SID) visa,” which has replaced the old 482 visa.
3. A Plan: You will get a 3-step plan to get your skills assessed and find a sponsoring employer.

By the end of this guide, you will have a clear plan for finding trade jobs in Australia with visa sponsorship. We will also provide links to the official skills assessment bodies for trades.

What is the Main Sponsorship Visa for Trades in 2026?

The visa landscape for sponsored workers has changed. The old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa has been replaced by the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa as of late 2024/2025.

This new visa has three pathways, but for most trades, the “Core Skills Pathway” is the most relevant. Here’s what it means for you:

• It’s a temporary visa for up to 4 years.
• Your occupation must be on the new “Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)”. The good news is that many trades are on this list.
• It provides a clearer pathway to permanent residency (PR) after 2-3 years of work with your employer.

This is the visa employers will use to sponsor you.

The Top 5 In-Demand Trades with Visa Sponsorship for 2026

Australia’s construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries are booming. Based on government shortage lists, here are the trades with the highest demand for sponsored workers.

1. Automotive Technicians (Especially EV)

As Australia’s vehicle fleet modernizes, there is a critical shortage of Motor Mechanics and Automotive Electricians. The demand for technicians qualified to service Electric Vehicles (EVs) is exploding, and local supply cannot keep up.

2. Mechanical & Fabrication Engineering Trades

This is a huge field. Welders, Boilermakers, and Metal Fabricators / Sheetmetal Workers are essential for Australia’s manufacturing, defence, and mining-resource sectors. These roles often come with high salaries and FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) opportunities.

3. Carpenters and Joiners

The housing and construction boom is constant. Australia simply cannot train enough Carpenters and Joiners to meet the demand for new builds and renovations. If you have cabinet-making or high-end joinery skills, you are especially in demand.

4. Plumbers (General & Gasfitters)

Plumbers are consistently on the skilled shortage lists. This is a highly regulated and high-paying trade in Australia. Those with additional qualifications as a Gasfitter are even more sought-after.

5. Electricians (General & Special Class)

Alongside plumbers, Electricians are a cornerstone of the Australian economy. The push towards renewable energy (like solar installations) has created even more demand for “Special Class” electricians with advanced skills.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Sponsored Trade Job in Australia

You can’t just send a CV. For a trade, you must prove your skills are to the Australian standard.

1. Get Your Skills Assessment: This is the most important step. For most trades, you must get a positive skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). This involves proving your qualifications and work experience and often includes a practical test.
2. Find a Sponsoring Employer: Once you have your skills assessment, you are “job-ready.” Search for jobs on platforms like Seek.com.au and use keywords like “Sponsorship available” or “Skills in Demand Visa.”
3. Visa Application: Once you have a job offer, your employer will lodge their “Nomination” for you. You will then lodge your “Visa Application” for the Skills in Demand (SID) visa.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa vs. Skilled Independent (189/190)

This is a key choice for tradies.

• Skills in Demand (SID) Visa: This is a sponsored visa. It’s *easier* to get because you have an employer’s backing, but you are tied to that employer (at first). It’s the fastest way *into* Australia.
• Skilled Independent (189/190): This is a points-tested PR visa. It’s *harder* to get because you need high points for age, English, and experience. However, it gives you permanent residency from day one.

The Verdict: The most common and reliable path is to get the SID (sponsored) visa first, move to Australia, and then apply for permanent residency (like the 186 visa) after working for 2-3 years.

Conclusion: Your Next Step to a “Tradie” Life in Australia

Don’t overlook the incredible demand for skilled trades in Australia. These jobs pay well, are in high demand, and offer a clear and stable pathway to permanent residency.

Your journey starts with your skills. Your first and most important step is to visit the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) website. See if your trade is listed and begin the process of getting your skills officially recognized. That document is your golden ticket.