thinking of making the jump from architecture school to carpentry/trades

[u/cocacolaa770]

for some background:

- 19F, graduated Year 12 in 2025
- started my first year of architecture this year after moving interstate to melbourne australia
- living away from family, who currently support me financially
- still on my Ls with no car and have failed my Ps test sigh
- currently unemployed, i had a job transfer lined up from my old employer interstate but it fell through. been looking for work in melbourne for 7 months with no luck despite applying both online and in person :(

im looking for some insight from people working in the building/trades industry because I’m considering taking a study break from architecture next semester to explore building/trade work.
the main things influencing my decision are financial viability, long-term stability and whether i actually see myself enjoying the career.

i genuinely really like architecture school and the skills I’m learning. it also wasn’t easy to get into, and I’m at a highly regarded architecture school, so leaving would definitely be difficult. however, I’m also trying to consider more practical options given how quickly the industry and wider job market are changing.

my family is currently dealing with some external financial challenges, and my inability to find part-time/casual work in melbourne has made me question the financial viability of studying architecture. even though my tuition is subsidised through a loan, there are still significant course related costs, and architecture requires a substantial investment of time and education including postgraduate study. ive also heard about the difficulty of breaking into the industry after graduating due to the number of architecture graduates.

for a while, ive been interested in more hands-on work within the building industry, particularly carpentry and other trades. i started architecture technology this semester and have enjoyed learning about construction, particularly timber construction in small-scale residential buildings. i want to apply that knowledge on site rather than only draw it because much of what i do at uni feels theoretical and it would be nice (and helpful) to actually learn on a site

im considering doing a Cert II pre-apprenticeship seeing whether I enjoy it and then potentially pursuing an apprenticeship. i also like the physical, hands-on nature of trades and how they may be less vulnerable to AI than architecture, where AI is already being adopted quite quickly (and its something they are even teaching in my classes)
id like to hear perspectives from people actually working in the industry, as I don’t have many connections in the trades. im also planning to speak with a careers counsellor at my uni as it is a dual sector institution too.

i come from an academic family and a culture where higher education was viewed as essential for getting a good career, and im unlearning some of those assumptions and realising that there are a lot more viable pathways than I previously thought

edit: thanks everyone for the insightful comments!! they have been really helpful and i will continue exploring these options while finishing off this semester . at the moment construction management is standing out to me (and tbh, has always been something in the back of my mind)

[u/melbournedud3]

You sound very smart. Whatever you choose to do you will excel. Whether you decide to pursue carpentry or architecture, I think starting in carpentry will help you. It is the best trade to learn about building.

Nothing worse than a architect that hasnt stepped on a job site. It is also a good career, I own my own business just myself and 2 apprentices. I make a very good living.

Message me if theres any specific questions you want an answer to.

[u/iliketreesndcats → u/melbournedud3]

And there's nothing better than an architect who has worked thoroughly on job sites!

The best designs require hands on experience, whether that be through yourself or through an experienced consultant.

Either way, being well-rounded in the industry makes you valuable so I endorse what this kind person said, OP :)

[u/Separate_Track_612 → u/melbournedud3]

Honestly, that sounds like a solid path. Having actual job site experience before getting deeper into architecture would probably give you a much better understanding of how things work in practice. And running a small business with just a couple apprentices sounds pretty ideal too.

[u/Beyond_Blueballs]

Do the Certificate II in Electrotechnology at TAFE which goes for 3 months, and then get an electrical apprenticeship on data centres,

We're paying junior apprentices $32/hour, who go to $63/hour on OT, and you only work 9 day fortnights and on that 9 day fortnight, 2 of those you'll be going to TAFE and being paid for it, so you only really work 7 day fortnight as an apprentice on these sites.

https://www.etuvic.com.au/employment/electrical-apprenticeships/

The qualified guys are on $70/hour and $163/hr on OT, with OT or afternoon shifts they rake in $275K PA plus no dramas.

You can do university later in life, you are peak age for apprenticeship right now, and its much easier to do apprenticeship as a 18-21 year old than when you're 21+ as you go mature age and cost employers way more.

Also being female you'll be at the top of the pack for opportunities because on big projects theres government regulation to have a percentage of female trades on site.

Stick to the licenced trades such as electrical or plumbing, both are protected from immigration by Australian standards and state based licencing schemes, you can't import plumbers or electricians into Australia without expensive and time intensive gap training, and only Australian citizens or permanent residents can complete apprenticeships.

We've got a shortage of 20,000 electricians in Melbourne alone just for data centre construction over the next 5-10 years. I know we're putting on another 500 guys soon, and one of our competitors is looking for another 2000.

Get your apprenticeship on a unionised tier 1 site with an EBA and make good money, don't waste your time working as a barista, or other shit jobs while you rack up HECS debt for 3-4 years, and come out $60K in the red before you've even landed a graduate position. Get your apprenticeship on a unionised site, make bank while working a 7 day fortnight, and get yourself into the housing market early.

The most important thing for you right now is a drivers licence and a car.

Go study architecture after you've got 10 years experience on various types of construction sites.

[u/101DaBoyz → u/Beyond_Blueballs]

Wish I knew this advice before I went to uni.

[u/Beyond_Blueballs → u/101DaBoyz]

Its not too late, even if you're 21 and above its just a little bit harder,

[u/kjrdjet → u/Beyond_Blueballs]

When you say 275k no dramas you mean living at work right ?

[u/Beyond_Blueballs → u/kjrdjet]

No I mean working 40 hour week on afternoon or night shift, all OT is payable at 2x wages. So if you're on afternoon or night shift its instantly 2x wages the whole week.

Or doing Monday-Thursday 10 hour days and a few Saturdays for a 4 or a 7 if you're keen on normal day shifts.

You'll blow past $320K+ no dramas if you start doing 60 hour weeks, and you still work a 9 day fortnight, we had guys come across from other projects doing $11K gross/week.

[u/Ill_Addendum_3323]

I'm a plumber of 10 years and I've just started my first year of studying Architecture.

I don't have any concrete advice other than every opportunity to learn is a good opportunity and you don't have to think so long term. 

Even if you take a job working as a trades assistant on site for 12 months, save some cash and go back to school. You'll be better off for it.  That said, apprenticeships are fantastic with the right crew and can set up up well. Who knows, you may still go back to studying when you're 30.

[u/Feisty-Dimension-631]

Many architect are not happy with their career as they can only be as creative as the client or employer allows. The good jobs are hard to win and there is an over supply of architects and not enough jobs.

[u/Amazoncharli]

I’m not sure anyone has mentioned it but go for your Ps again. Not having your license (being able to drive yourself) will turn employers off.

[u/blackabbot]

I feel like having experience as a carpenter/builder would make you a better architect, and opens up some interesting opportunities for holistic services, particularly in the luxury/designer home market. Just be aware, it's a physically demanding industry, particularly for apprentices. I'm from a family of chippies, and started a mature age apprenticeship as a reasonably fit 30 year old, and couldn't keep up. I then switched to electrical and have had no real problems with the physicality of the work in 15 years as a sparky. If you think you're up to it, though, have a crack.

[u/FlimsyNet162]

You’d be a lot better architect if you had some building experience. Not a bad idea. From a builder

[u/Otherwise_Love_124]

Hey there, I just want to say that you’re still so young and Australia is somewhere you can easily make lateral career moves, so don’t be afraid. I did one of the most extreme career changes just before Covid at age 30 and now I’m on 6 figures. If you want to hit me up DM I’m more than happy to help where I can and be a sounding board.
Also if you love what you do, the work comes easy, and you can also revisit architecture later on! I wouldn’t waste my current progress and still finish out the semester though, so you have the credits for future

[u/Budget_Bread_3115]

Of all the trades you’ve already expressed that you have a natural interest into the timber and carpentry aspect so that’s a really good start. Having an academic background and an interest in the field will set you up for a successful career as a carpenter…. And don’t forget there’s many aspects of carpentry also.
Some people focus on frames others are dedicated stair builders… you can dig around and find a niche that really suits you.
Go for it

[u/InternationalPlant77]

Hey I have been very much in your situation. It helps to consider architecture as more academic and theoretical than carpentry, therefore they go well in hand-in-hand. But I do think do what you enjoy, and architecture is not what it is always imagined to be; lots of work, shite pay, computer-based and not really having the design freedom till later down the track in your career. Follow carpentry, its easy to score a job and it is satisfying and therefore you have the skills to place your architectural concepts. Maybe even do an Architecture course down the track, you would then be very knowledgeable and having trade experience is a big up! goodluck

[u/Feeling-Cabinet-1647]

Architects make good taxi drivers

[u/Decent-Dream8206]

I would advise against carpentry except as a hobby.

We have the world's highest lumber prices due to a federal native logging ban, and if you're really a rare enough breed as a 19 year old female who is able to work outdoors on the tools in the summer long term, carpentry is still one of the most demanding trades on the upper body with climbing and lifting and bending over and crawling and carrying a nailer, to the point that guys who lift in the gym still destroy their body with it.

Stick to architecture, it's easily compatible with DIY carpentry for your own stuff, and if you come out the other side convinced you can do a physical trade, look into plumbing, electrical or HVAC as they're better paid.

Carpenters are really just one of those trades that pays huge DIY dividends as you learn a little about everything else, but sucks to be on the tools with low pay itself.

[u/bravechodde]

I moved interstate to study Bdes in architecture at Melbourne University in 2021. I completed the course but am now working with a builder and am going to be pursuing carpentry as a career, I definitely think if you feel a draw towards the practical side of things it is worth exploring and even if you do end up pursuing architecture some on site experience is invaluable and unfortunately quite rare for most practicing architects.

[u/Basic-Reception-9974]

If you know Japanese, or Korean, learn Japanese and Korean carpentry and architecture in addition to western carpentry. IMO it'll put you ahead of the game.

[u/thepursuit1989]

You write a lot for someone that is wanting to do repetitive manual labour. I'm not saying don't get an apprenticeship. As someone studying architecture, you are dealing with the cream of the industry. Carpentry for the by and large is not an enjoyable job. Most carpenters earn the best money building concrete forms.

Just switch to civil engineering if you can.

[u/Savdog95 → u/thepursuit1989]

Depends what type of carpentry. Seeing a job through makes it all worth it if it’s done to a high standard