Tradespeople are a vital cog

TRADIES are in demand and are crucial to the development of our economy.

We need them around the home and office and we need them to build our homes, hotels, commercial and other buildings.

Without them buildings such as the Crystalbrook Collection trio of hotels and the just-finished Cairns Performing Arts Centre would never eventuate.

During the week we see dozens of them with their high-vis “uniforms” and hard hats in the Cairns CBD.

As well as performing top quality trades work, they also boost the coffers of nearby businesses such as cafes and convenience stores, pharmacies and newsagents.

Many young people are forgoing university studies to take on a trade.

After their apprenticeships have been completed, young tradies can earn big bucks.

Qualified sparkies can start on about $74,000 and soar to $145,000, the wage packet for a cabinet-maker can range from $67,000 to $105,000, a brickie from $65,000 to $134,000 and a welder from $61,000 to $118,000.

Cabinet makers, welders, plasterers and bricklayers and metal fabricators are the most sought-after.

We all require skilled tradies to get things done around the house or in a commercial context and we want it yesterday, but the reality is there are simply not enough to meet demand.

Any young person thinking seriously about their career choices needs to know that tradespeople are sorely needed and will be well into the future.

So hats off to our hardworking tradies.

Nominate who you think is the best tradie in the Far North by email: editorial@cairnspost.com.au Nick Dalton Deputy editor