SkillsWest Expo Unveils WA's Top Trade Pathways

• Free jobs expo at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, 23-25 July
• Explore in-demand trade careers across WA, including metal fitting, electrical, and motor mechanics
• Cook Labor Government is delivering the skilled workforce for a future that is Made In WA

The Cook Labor Government is delivering a jobs boom, with metal fitters and machinists revealed as the State's most in demand tradies.

Electricians, mechanics, welders, surveyors, chefs, and plumbers are also highly sought after, with building technicians, carpenters, and joiners rounding out the top ten hottest trades.

Pathways to these careers will be on show this week at the free SkillsWest Careers and Employment Expo, with more than 160 employers and organisations under one roof.

Around 15,000 secondary students, graduates, and career changers are expected to attend the event over the next three days, to explore a wide range of industry, career, and training pathways.

Western Australia is currently seeing strong demand for key trades, with the Cook Labor Government supporting people to upskill through its record investment in fee-free and low-fee TAFE courses.

Demand for Vocational Education and Training in WA reached a new record high in 2025, with almost 140,000 publicly funded course enrolments, up more than 33 per cent on 2020 levels.

So far in 2026 there have been almost 35,000 fee-free course enrolments, and just under 36,000 enrolments in low fee courses.

At the SkillsWest Expo, attendees can explore these programs at the Cook Labor Government's TAFE - You Can Make It Here exhibit, with staff from Jobs and Skills Centres and TAFEs on hand to provide one-on-one advice.

Visitors can also see WA's Skillaroos in action as they prepare for the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, alongside hands-on Try'aSkill activities and WorldSkills regional competitions.

The SkillsWest Expo is on at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre until Saturday, 25 July.

As stated by Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"From sparkies to motor mechanics, and metal fitters to chefs, Western Australia is in the midst of a tradie boom.

"There are currently thousands of local trade roles up for grabs, and we want to ensure Western Australian's have the qualifications and skills to take on these roles.

"That's why the Cook Labor Government is investing in training, including free and low-fee TAFE, to build our State's skilled workforce for the future and creating quality job opportunities for Western Australians.

"The SkillsWest Expo puts those opportunities directly in front of people, connecting them with employers and training providers who can help them get started."

Table 1: Internet Vacancy Index, Top Technicians and Trades Workers Occupations, Western Australia, May 2026

Source:Jobs and Skills Australia, Internet Vacancy Index (IVI) | Jobs and Skills Australia (June 2026)