The term “tradie” is a slang word used in Australia that is commonly used to refer to tradesmen or tradeswomen. Tradies are skilled workers in their specific trade of craft. This term can include such professions as:
- Electricians
- Builders
- Carpenters
- Mechanics
- Plumbers
- Bricklayer
- Boilermaker
- Painter
- Landscaper
- HVAC technician
- Roofer
- Plasterer
- And many more.
Most tradesperson professions require manual work which includes physical labor and hands-on skills, and some trades require technical knowledge.
Tradies are essential to the Australian workforce and have a role in every industry in some shape or form.
More Aussie Slang for Tradies
Tradie is slang for tradesperson, but there is other slang used to refer to specific trades.
- Sparky refers to an electrician.
- Chippy refers to a carpenter or builder. This name comes from the wood chips produced in their work.
- Dunny diver refers to a plumber. Dunny is another Australian slang work for toilet.
- Bricky refers to a bricklayer.
- Scaffie refers to a scaffolder.
- Doggie refers to a dogman whos job it is to secure loads before being lifted by a crane or other lifting device.
Is It Offensive to Use the Term Tradie?
Tradie is just a shortened version of tradesperson, tradesman, or tradeswoman, and is not a derogatory term when talking about a tradesperson.
If however, it is used to speak down about a person, then it can be used to be offensive to someone.
How to Become a Tradie?
Becoming a tradie is a good career path for those who enjoy being active and working with their hands. Plus, there isn’t an expensive degree that could put you in debt
The most common way to learn a trade is through a four-year apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training and an element of classroom learning.
Once the apprenticeship program is finished, the apprentice will gain their qualification and will be able to work unsupervised and earn more money.
How Much Do Tradies Earn?
Tradies can be highly paid depending on the trade, location of work, skill shortage for the trade, and the amount of hours spent working each day.
Here is a list of the 18 highest paying trades put together from indeed.
Some trades can further increase their earning potential by upskilling and getting further qualifications. For example, there are welding certifications that allow boilermakers to weld different material and improve their earning potential.
Challenges
Being a tradie can be tough and will come with some challenges.
- Physically demanding. Having to do a lot of manual handling, heavy lifting, climbing and working in awkward positions can be tough on the body.
- Weather. The sun isn’t always shining in Australia, and sometimes a tradie will need to work in the wind, rain, or high heat.
- Running a business. A lot of tradies work as independent contractors, which means that need to manage insurance, business expenses, invoicing, and doing the work.
- Managing time. There can be a lot to juggle, managing time and getting work done on time, and keeping clients happy is a very important part of the job.