Minor trades are often overlooked, but they’re the backbone of NSW’s construction and renovation industry. From tilers shaping luxury bathrooms to painters bringing homes to life, these skilled professionals are crucial to finishing projects on time and at high quality.
As NSW faces a construction boom in 2025, demand for qualified minor tradies is growing rapidly. Whether you’re a seasoned worker or starting out, knowing which trades are in demand—and how to back your skills with certification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)—can put you ahead of the competition.
What Are Minor Trades?
Minor trades include specialised roles that don’t always get as much recognition as plumbing or electrical work, but they’re essential to the industry. These include:
- Painters & Decorators – Adding finishing touches to homes and commercial spaces.
- Tilers – Installing ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces.
- Plasterers – Applying smooth finishes and decorative mouldings for walls and ceilings.
- Flooring Installers – Working with timber, vinyl, laminate, and polished concrete.
- Fencing Contractors – Ensuring boundary and security structures for residential and commercial builds.
Each of these can be formalised through RPL trade qualifications, such as:
- Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
- Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
- Certificate III in Solid Plastering
NSW Construction & Renovation Trends Driving Demand
- Housing Supply: Sydney and regional centres are experiencing continued population growth, pushing the need for housing developments.
- Renovation Surge: According to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), renovation work is expected to remain strong in 2025, especially for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: More clients are requesting low-VOC paints, sustainable flooring, and recycled tiles.
- Government Investment: NSW government’s infrastructure pipeline is boosting job security across building trades.
Top 5 In-Demand Minor Trades in NSW for 2025
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Tilers
- Bathroom and kitchen remodels are driving tiling demand.
- Average NSW tiler salary: $60,000–$90,000+, depending on project size.
- Qualification: CPC31320 – Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
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Painters & Decorators
- High demand for both new builds and home refresh projects.
- Increasing interest in specialised finishes (faux, textured, eco-friendly).
- Qualification: CPC30620 – Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
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Plasterers
- Rising demand for smooth finishes and decorative ceilings in modern homes.
- Energy-efficient construction increases the need for expert plasterers.
- Qualification: CPC31020 – Certificate III in Solid Plastering
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Flooring Installers
- Timber, vinyl, and hybrid flooring are dominating NSW markets.
- Average project cost: $35–$80 per sqm (profit margins can be strong).
- Qualification: RPL in flooring through construction trade pathways.
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Fencing Contractors
- Suburban sprawl drives fencing demand for privacy and security.
- Opportunity for niche services: pool fencing, decorative fencing, automated gates.
- Qualification: Construction-related RPL recognition pathways available.
Career & Income Outlook for Minor Trades
- Painters: $55,000–$75,000/year (higher with niche decorative finishes).
- Tilers: $60,000–$90,000/year with potential to earn more through contracting.
- Plasterers: Average $70,000/year with steady regional demand.
Tip: Certification via RPL can boost your job prospects and help you access bigger contracts. Many clients and contractors prefer workers with nationally recognised qualifications.
Common Myths About Minor Trades
- Myth 1: “Minor trades don’t pay well.”
Reality: Many tradies earn over $80k, especially in metro NSW. - Myth 2: “Experience is enough—you don’t need certification.”
Reality: Certification gives you credibility, better insurance cover, and licensing eligibility. - Myth 3: “Minor trades can’t lead to business ownership.”
Reality: Many painters, tilers, and plasterers run successful small businesses.
Tips to Succeed in NSW Minor Trades
- Stay on Trend: Offer eco-friendly finishes and modern designs.
- Upskill with RPL: Convert your existing skills into a Certificate III trade qualification.
- Build Your Network: Contractors often prefer reliable minor tradies for repeat work.
- Embrace Tech: Use apps for quoting, invoicing, and project management.
Conclusion
Minor trades may not always make the headlines, but in NSW’s booming 2025 construction and renovation market, they’re in high demand. By formalising your skills with RPL certification, you can increase your earning potential, secure bigger projects, and build a long-term career.
Ready to take your trade career to the next level?
Contact Upskilled Training today and explore how RPL certification can turn your experience into a nationally recognised qualification.
