Over 300,000 Workers Needed – Migration Pathways Explained
Australia’s construction industry is facing one of the largest skilled labour shortages in its history. According to Australian Government workforce projections, more than 300,000 additional construction workers will be required over the coming years to meet demand across housing, infrastructure, and major civil projects.
For qualified tradespersons, this presents a significant opportunity to live and work in Australia under a range of skilled and employer-sponsored visa pathways.
Queensland is entering a major construction phase driven by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with government and industry warnings of significant tradesperson shortages as large-scale venue and infrastructure projects ramp up. Forecasts indicate tens of thousands of additional construction workers will be needed to avoid delays and cost blowouts, particularly across electrical, plumbing, mechanical and civil trades. In response, the Queensland Government is actively promoting skilled migration pathways for building and construction workers to support Olympic delivery and long-term infrastructure needs, highlighting strong opportunities for qualified tradespersons to work and settle in Queensland.
https://migration.qld.gov.au/visa-options/skilled-visas/building-and-construction-workers
At Atlas Lawyers – Migration, we assist construction professionals with compliant migration strategies tailored to their occupation, skills, and long-term goals.
Key Construction Occupations in Demand
Below is a non-exhaustive list of high-demand construction trades occupations commonly eligible for skilled migration and employer sponsorship:
Electrical Trades
- Electrician (General)
- Electrician (Special Class)
- Lift Mechanic
- Electrical Linesworker
- Telecommunications Linesworker
Plumbing & Mechanical Trades
- Plumber (General)
- Gasfitter
- Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
- Drainer
Construction & Structural Trades
- Carpenter
- Carpenter and Joiner
- Joiner
- Bricklayer
- Stonemason
- Fibrous Plasterer
- Solid Plasterer
- Roof Tiler
- Wall and Floor Tiler
- Painter and Decorator
Metal & Industrial Trades
- Fitter (General)
- Fitter and Turner
- Metal Fabricator
- Welder (First Class)
- Sheetmetal Trades Worker
- Boilermaker
Civil & Infrastructure Trades
- Civil Engineering Draftsperson
- Construction Project Administrator
- Construction Manager
- Plant Mechanic
- Diesel Motor Mechanic
Many of these occupations appear on:
- Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Regional Occupation Lists
These occupations often meet Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) requirements for employer-sponsored visas and can progress toward permanent residency.
Migration Pathways for Construction Tradespersons
Common visa options include:
Skilled Migration
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
Employer Sponsorship
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
The correct pathway depends on:
- Occupation and ANZSCO code
- Skills assessment outcome
- Employer readiness
- Location (metro vs regional)
- Points score and age
How Atlas Lawyers – Migration Can Help
At Atlas Lawyers – Migration, we provide:
- Occupation and ANZSCO code strategy
- Skills assessment preparation and review
- Employer sponsorship advice and compliance
- Skilled migration points assessment
- Long-term trade-to-PR planning
We work closely with tradespersons, employers, and assessing bodies to ensure the right migration pathway is pursued from the outset.