Trade Workforce Growth in 2026
Australia’s construction and maintenance sectors continue to expand, driven by population growth, housing targets and the energy transition. But not all trades are growing at the same rate — some occupations are seeing rapid expansion while others remain relatively stable.
We’ve analysed licensing register data, ABS labour force statistics and apprenticeship commencement figures to identify the fastest growing trade occupations heading into 2026.
Top 5 Fastest Growing Trades
1. Solar and Renewable Energy Installers
The push toward net-zero emissions has created explosive demand for solar installers, battery storage technicians and renewable energy electricians. Apprenticeship commencements in this category have grown by over 15% annually since 2023.
2. Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians
Climate change and hotter summers are driving increased demand for air conditioning installation and servicing. Licensed HVAC technicians are among the most sought-after trades in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
3. Electricians (General)
Electricians continue to see strong growth, buoyed by residential construction, solar installations, EV charger demand and smart home technology adoption.
4. Data and Communications Cablers
The NBN rollout and growing demand for commercial data infrastructure have created a specialised workforce of licensed data cablers. Growth has been particularly strong in regional areas where fibre-to-the-premises rollouts are ongoing.
5. Landscape Construction Workers
Outdoor living trends and increased investment in public green spaces are supporting strong growth in landscape construction, particularly in Victoria and Queensland.
What’s Driving the Growth?
Several macro trends underpin these workforce shifts:
- Government housing targets: State and federal commitments to build more homes are creating sustained demand across all building trades.
- Energy transition: Australia’s net-zero targets require a massive expansion of the renewable energy workforce.
- Ageing workforce: Many experienced tradies are approaching retirement, creating openings for new entrants.
- Skills shortage recognition: Increased migration pathways and incentive programs for trade apprenticeships are boosting workforce numbers.
What This Means for Homeowners
Understanding which trades are growing — and which are in short supply — can help you plan your projects more effectively:
- Book early for in-demand trades like electricians and HVAC technicians.
- Get multiple quotes to ensure competitive pricing, especially for rapidly growing trades where new entrants may offer more competitive rates.
- Always verify licences regardless of how busy the market is. Use our licence checker to confirm credentials before hiring.