A Canadian expat who earns up to $120,000 a year as a heavy machinery operator in Australia has said there is “no shortage of work” in his industry.
The tradie said there are no qualifications to operate heavy machinery in Canada during an interview with job-matching app Getahead.
'Here [in Australia] you need a lot of cards to operate everything. “When I arrived in Australia, it took me about a month to get all my certifications, and then I was good to go,” he said.
The tradie ran his own construction company in Canada, but sold it so he could move to Australia and enjoy a warmer climate.
He plans to obtain permanent residency and start his own business in Australia.
Tradition said that construction is a great industry for Aussies 'if you like working with your hands' and are challenged at work.
He added that there was no shortage of work and that artisans “will always be employed.”
According to figures from Jobs and Skills Australia, more than 1.3 million Aussies are employed in the construction industry, earning an average weekly wage of $1,598.
A Canadian expat (pictured) who earns up to $120,000 a year operating heavy machinery says there is 'no shortage of work' in his industry
Tradition said that construction is a great industry for Aussies 'if you like working with your hands' and are challenged on the job (stock image)
According to Master Builders Australia, Australia needs approximately 130,000 workers to join the sector within five years to meet current infrastructure demand.
The country's top building and construction association said productivity across the sector has fallen by 18 percent over the past decade.
Master Builder CEO Denita Wawn said the issue puts more pressure on workers and employers and urged the government to increase the migration of skilled workers and provide better support for apprentices.
“It will require a holistic approach across all federal government portfolios, from migration, skills and training to industrial relations,” she said.
Australia needs 90,000 workers to meet the government's ambitious housing target.
In 2023, Labor announced its intention to build 1.2 million homes over five years as part of the National Housing Agreement.
To achieve the target, approximately 60,000 new homes will have to be built every quarter.
