What does a Trades Assistant do?
A Trades Assistant works with a tradesperson or reports to a team of tradespeople to complete entry-level tasks and provide on-the-job support. Trades Assistant is a role most commonly found in the construction, mechanical, electrical and manufacturing industries, so it often involves working in a workshop or on a building site. Trades Assistants are directed and supervised by qualified tradespeople to complete various tasks, such as fetching tools or materials for tradespeople, cleaning tools after use and preparing materials and equipment to be used or installed. They are important in ensuring a work site runs efficiently and safely.
Related: Trades assistant Interview Questions
Trades Assistant skills and qualifications
A Trades Assistant is a low-skill or entry-level role, so interpersonal skills and work ethic are more relevant than technical skills or trade ability, which can be learnt over time, on the job. Examples of the abilities and qualifications required to be successful in this role are:
- reliability, punctuality and willingness to work
- time management, collaboration and teamwork skills
- self-motivation and attention to detail
- ability to follow safety protocols
- basic knowledge of tools
- a passion for hands-on work
- comply with required quality standards
- perform repetitive manual tasks.
Related: Soft Skills in Recruitment: What to Look For When Hiring
Trades Assistant experience requirements
Work experience is not typically required to work as a Trades Assistant. However, some employers prefer candidates who have worked in their industry to understand their job requirements. For example, working as a Trades Assistant on a building site in the construction industry will have different expectations than working in a workshop in the mechanical industry. Some employers may also prefer candidates who know how to operate common power tools, while others may prefer to train Trades Assistants to use their equipment.
Trades Assistant education and training requirements
Formal qualifications are not required to work as a Trades Assistant. However, a Certificate I in employment, such as Construction or Automotive, can prove a candidate has the basic skills to be job-ready. Safety certifications such as a White card or Yellow card may be required if the Trades Assistant works in construction or high-risk environments. A driver’s licence is a common requirement for many roles, while licences to operate plant and other machinery will be necessary if that is a requirement of the role.
Related: Construction Worker Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
Trades Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Trades Assistant is $36 per hour. However, the data reveals the salary may depend on location, including Fly-In Fly-Out work, and the type of industry.
Job description samples for similar positions
Other job descriptions that may be relevant if a Trades Assistant is not exactly what is required for your business are:
Related: 15 Labourer Interview Questions and Answers
Trades Assistant job description FAQs
Who does the Trades Assistant report to?
A Trades Assistant may be assigned to one tradesperson and work directly with them. They may also be employed generally by a business and be required to follow the instructions of several tradespeople, supporting them all during their shift. A Trades Assistant may report to a supervisor or manager and operate alone or in a team with other Trades Assistants.
What is the role of the Trades Assistant?
The Trades Assistant supports others in the workforce who are professionally qualified to complete the trades work. This may allow the tradesperson to be more efficient and productive in their role, as the tradesperson can focus on completing high-skill work for which they are trained, while a lower-skilled worker completes basic tasks.
How can you make your Trades Assistant job description stand out?
Include details about the job and the company, as well as the job duties and responsibilities, to make your job description stand out. Consider highlighting work conditions, such as shift start and finish times, and pay rates. Including company values such as a safe working culture and outstanding customer service can make your job description attractive to like-minded candidates.
Related: How to Improve Your Job Ad
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
