Tradie shortage uncovers a "Gold Mine" in niche markets

Written by Hannah Heyen

With Australia in the midst of the worst tradie shortage in years, a gold mine opportunity has opened up for tradies to earn premium rates for a number of jobs. Data released by find-a-tradie site ServiceSeeking.com.au recorded a high number of specific home improvement jobs, but a lack of qualified tradies to complete them.

On average, jobs listed on ServiceSeeking.com.au receive 4 quotes, however there are a number of specific categories that aren't getting filled. These jobs are niche and often require specialised skills, yet they represent an opportunity for tradies to net serious cash while supply and demand remain out of kilter. If the housing construction boom wasn’t enough to drive this imbalance in demand and supply, apprenticeships are now at their lowest since 2004 according to figures released by the Mitchell Institute.

Jeremy Levitt, CEO of ServiceSeeking says: "This gap in the market offers a great opportunity for tradies looking to grow their business. The few tradies that do work in these industries are never short of work and charge premium prices as customers grow desperate to get them done."

The percentage of niche jobs in FY17 with no tradies:

Bathtub resurfacing (69%)
Glass installation (64%)
Staircase jobs (64%)
Garage, shed and carport installation (60%)
Stonework and masonry jobs (56%)

How much money is on the table?

In FY17 there were 7,729 jobs netting $4.9 million in the top ten under supplied job categories alone, that passed by due to a lack of qualified tradies. People agree that there is good money to be made. A recent survey conducted by ServiceSeeking.com.au revealed that 75% of Australians believe that going straight into a trade after high school gives children more of a financial head-start in life versus going to University.

Highest paid niche Jobs in FY17:

Stonework and Masonry jobs make an average of $3,438 per job

Cabinet-making make an average of $1,576 per job
Insulation installation make an average of $1,416 per job
Carpet laying and installation make an average of $1,199 per job

The full data set is below:

Niche Category	Missed revenue (FY17)	Average value per job	% of jobs with no tradies
Stonework and Masonry	$996,875	$3,438	56%
Cabinetmaking	$898,149	$1,576	39%
Garages, sheds and carports	$717,723	$643	60%
Insulation Installation	$645,641	$1,416	55%
Staircases	$504,000	$2,400	63%
Carpet laying and Installation	$404,172	$1,199	41%
Bathtub Resurfacing	$236,000	$500	69%
Tinting and films	$122,563	$360	46%
Fridge repair	$68,969	$146	55%
Glass Installation	$30,800	$560	64%
Total missed revenue:	$4,970,038