Query about Picking up a Trade

curious101 on 30/01/2025 - 21:10
Last edited 31/01/2025 - 09:34 by 1 other user

Hey everyone, I'm planning to build my own home in the future and am considering picking up a trade as a side hustle. From a financial perspective (more income/ease of finding side jobs) and cost savings (e.g., if being a carpenter is more beneficial than being a plumber due to higher expenses on framing and cabinets), which skill would you recommend?

Open to all options - Carpenter, Roofer, Concreter, Builder, Bricklayer, Plasterer etc.

Bonus points for trade qualification via QLD TAFE, that can be done alongside with my day job (if they allow night classes or block classes or if it's entirely online).

Sorry, I have no previous background in construction.

Thanks a lot

Education & Work

Comments

MS Paint on 30/01/2025 - 21:12

+1

How many free hours per week do you have to offer to this side hustle once qualified?
- curious101 on 30/01/2025 - 21:13
  
  Can do weekends, and 1-2 hours after 5:00 PM. Thanks for time :)
  - MS Paint on 30/01/2025 - 21:14
    
    +1
    
    I'd say bricklaying because a good brickie is pretty rare these days. It's back breaking work though. You'll need to rest on your day job to be able to work your side hustle.
sumyungguy on 30/01/2025 - 21:20

+5

How will you accommodate the apprenticeship? If you're inclined to work after hours: locksmithing.
- curious101 on 30/01/2025 - 22:12
  
  Thank you, yes - I didn't know about the apprenticeship requirement. Can apprenticeship be done after-hours, or on weekends ? As long as I can build my own home, that's fine - I am not after the certification/qualification as such, just knowing the skills - if TAFE helps build practical skills, would be enough for me.
  - sumyungguy on 30/01/2025 - 22:21
    
    +3
    
    Apprenticeship occurs during working hours which is typically daytime for the trade sector.
mskeggs on 30/01/2025 - 21:22

+8

You cannot become a tradesperson without completing an apprenticeship.
- curious101 on 30/01/2025 - 22:15
  
  Thanks
mooseca on 30/01/2025 - 21:35

+4

You need to be signed on as an apprentice (full time job) to be able to enter the TAFE courses to become a tradesman. These are multi year courses.
- curious101 on 30/01/2025 - 22:13
  
  Thank you, my bad, didn't know.
Euphemistic on 30/01/2025 - 21:41

+7
You are highly unlikelg to be able to gain a trade while trging to hold down another job.

A trade isnt a 'side hustle'.

If you do go ahead, only pick a trade you have an interest in and/or have done some form of hobby/DIY in.

If you want to learn how to do stuff to build your own home, maybe try being a labourer for a builder for a while.

No offense, but it sounds like youve got no idea. Start out with some decent DIY work and see what takes your fancy. Youtube is full of how to videos - but make sure you stick with Aussie videos. OS might lead you astray with things you shouldn't be doing (electrical)
- curious101 on 30/01/2025 - 22:14
  
  No offence taken, thank you, you are right about everything. Appreciate your time.
nubzy on 30/01/2025 - 23:01

+1

Gardening/mowing has a pretty low barrier to entry and good earning potential if you don't want to spend time/money getting a qualification. Have to be smart about scheduling, have some basic knowledge/skills, get some decent commercial equipment and don't get sucked into charging hourly rates, fixed price job always.
Mechz on 30/01/2025 - 23:06

-1

Thanks for the laughs OP.
sumyungguy on 30/01/2025 - 23:43

You could look into the process of getting an owner builder permit and doing a DIY kit home?
JIMB0 on 31/01/2025 - 08:59

You could do a certificate IV in construction online at night. Without practical experience I'm not sure how useful it would be.
- theHMASfriendship on 31/01/2025 - 09:40
  
  certificate IV in construction online
  
  Does that teach you how to build websites?

Query about Picking up a Trade

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