‘I’ve fallen in love with the trade’: The AI-proof job that 30,000 more Australians took up last year

Australia's electricians have found themselves in high demand, with nearly 30,000 more individuals taking up the trade in the past year alone. This surge comes despite the physically demanding nature of the work, which includes early morning shifts in freezing conditions, navigating confined spaces such as roof cavities, and dealing with unpredictable animals like irritable dogs. According to government data analyzed by KPMG, the number of electricians in Australia jumped from around 150,000 to 184,000 in 2025, marking a significant growth in the sector. The rise in interest is evident in the increased enrollment of apprentices. In New South Wales, more than 11,000 students signed up for electrician training through TAFE NSW last year, representing a 4.5 percent increase since 2021. The wait time for apprentices to begin their training has also decreased dramatically, with no applicants waiting longer than six months to start in 2026, compared to nearly 1,000 in 2022. NSW Skills Minister Steve Whan noted this trend, highlighting the growing appeal of the profession. Kaitlyn McMahon, a 31-year-old electrical apprentice at BlueScope Steel, one of Australia's largest crude steel production plants, is part of this expanding group. Inspired by her father, McMahon has worked on heavy machinery, including Victoria’s historic Puffing Billy train and later on trucks. Now, she is in her fourth year of apprenticeship at Port Kembla’s steelworks. “I really wanted to challenge myself,” she said. “I’ve just fallen in love with the trade.” According to KPMG economist Terry Rawnsley, multiple factors have contributed to the recent boom in electrician numbers. One key driver has been the substantial demand in the residential construction sector, marked by a surge in new home builds, renovations, and knockdown-rebuild projects. This demand has created a sense of job security for many entering the field, especially with policies like Free TAFE making vocational training more accessible. These elements have shifted public perception, encouraging more people to view trades as viable paths to earning a living and advancing professionally. Electricians are also needed beyond the construction industry. Their expertise is crucial in sectors such as mining, solar farms, data centers, and the modernization of electrical grids. This broad range of applications ensures continued demand for skilled workers. Additionally, the nature of the work makes it resistant to automation. Unlike many white-collar roles, tasks such as rewiring homes or installing complex electrical systems remain challenging for artificial intelligence to perform effectively. Rawnsley pointed out that while technological advancements continue, current robotics lack the dexterity and adaptability required for such intricate manual labor. The increasing popularity of the trade reflects broader economic and social trends. As concerns about job displacement due to automation grow, professions that require hands-on skills and physical presence offer a degree of stability. Electricians, with their essential role in infrastructure and energy sectors, are positioned well within this landscape. The combination of practical training opportunities, tangible career progression, and the assurance of ongoing employment continues to attract new entrants to the field. With the expansion of renewable energy initiatives and the push towards sustainable infrastructure, the need for electricians is likely to persist. This aligns with national goals aimed at reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy efficiency. As a result, the profession stands as a critical component of Australia's evolving economy, offering both immediate job prospects and long-term career potential.