Holding an SKM? Even with every reform, Australia could stay more than 84,000 workers short

News · 2026-09-10 · 3 min read

You trained as an electrician, carpenter, plumber or builder. You have the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) or years on site. Now Australia is saying out loud that it needs more people like you. Here is the picture, and what to line up before you go.

The size of the gap

A new industry report says that without major action, the shortfall of tradies and construction workers in Australia could grow to roughly 935,600 by 2035. Even if every recommended reform is carried out, the country would still be short by more than 84,000 workers.

The reasons are structural. The system that trains new tradespeople is not keeping up with the work ahead. Australia has roughly $242 billion of infrastructure spending planned over the next five years, along with a long shift to net-zero energy. Separate modelling points to a 300,000-worker gap around 2027, just as the infrastructure pipeline peaks.

What is already changing for migrants

Skilled visas granted to construction workers have tripled since 2019.
In 2024–25, 15,524 skilled construction visas were issued, the highest annual total in a decade.
The federal government has committed $85 million this budget cycle to fast-track skills recognition for migrants already in the country.
A $10,000 incentive is on offer for new apprentices entering housing construction, with expanded Free TAFE access.

The report also says that streamlining recognition for qualified workers already onshore could unlock over 18,000 workers almost immediately. Australia clearly wants to shrink the distance between qualified overseas and allowed to work here.

What it could mean for you

Demand that runs to 2035 suggests steady need across carpentry, electrical, plumbing, civil construction and related trades. That is not a short window. Still, nothing here is a promise of a visa or a job, and each pathway has its own rules.

Your Malaysian paperwork, step by step

Qualifications. Trades are usually assessed again abroad. In Australia that is a skills assessment, for example through Trades Recognition Australia. Gather your SKM certificate, transcripts and work records.
Occupation check. See whether your trade is on the official skill occupation list.
English. Take IELTS or PTE if the visa or employer asks for it, even if you use English daily.
Police clearance. When one is requested, apply to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for a Certificate of Good Conduct. Their site is rmp.gov.my.
Documents. Prepare certified copies, with English translations of anything in Bahasa Malaysia.

A CV that shows the work

Employers want to see tickets, licences, machines you run and the kinds of projects you have finished. List them clearly, in English, with dates. Keep a folder of photos and references ready to share.

Why starting early pays off

Australia's building plans are racing ahead of the workers available to deliver them. For a qualified Malaysian tradesperson, that is a good reason to start preparing early, and to do it properly.

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