What We’re Seeing in the Trades Market Right Now: A TRS Resourcing Update from the Director

January has kicked off stronger than many expected, particularly across technical blue-collar recruitment. After a busy start to the year at TRS Resourcing, it’s clear that hiring momentum is building again especially for skilled trades across Melbourne and Sydney.

This update comes directly from Tavis and it reflects what we’re seeing day to day with clients, contractors and long-term projects, and where demand is shaping up across the market.

A Strong Start to the Year for Trades Recruitment

The year has started with solid activity. In January alone, TRS Resourcing filled around 15 contract roles, largely across technical blue-collar trades. That early demand positively tells us that businesses are no longer sitting on the fence.

With lots of enquiries our clients are placing proper job orders again, with intent and urgency behind the hiring needs.

The strongest demand continues to sit with our traditional trade base, including:

• Boilermakers
• Mechanical fitters
• Diesel mechanics
• Industrial spray painters
• Specialist trade crews for ongoing workshop and project work

Melbourne Hiring Activity Is Picking Up

Across Melbourne, we’re seeing a noticeable shift. After a cautious period late last year, clients are now committing to recruitment earlier in their planning cycle.

Manufacturing, transport, infrastructure support and specialist workshop environments are all contributing to demand. Businesses are moving away from short-term patchwork hiring and starting to think more carefully about continuity, reliability and longer engagements.

This is especially true for experienced trades. Skilled contractors are selective. They’re not sitting idle waiting for last-minute roles to appear. Employers that plan early and engage properly are the ones securing the best people.

Sydney Is Back on the Radar

Sydney activity has picked up quickly after a quieter few months. Several clients have come back to market at once, all looking for experienced technical trades.

This sudden increase tells us two things:

1. Projects that were paused are restarting
2. Businesses are confident enough to invest in people again

If you’re a tradesperson based in Sydney or open to Sydney-based work now is a good time to get in touch. Demand is rising, and early conversations matter.

Why Longer-Term Projects Matter to Everyone

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is the move away from purely short-term labour.

While short contracts have their place, both clients and candidates benefit far more from longer-term engagements. Businesses get consistency, lower risk and better productivity. Candidates get stability, clearer expectations and the ability to settle into a role properly.

Last year, many businesses leaned on short-term solutions due to uncertainty. This year feels different. More clients are talking about ongoing projects, forward planning and building reliable workforces rather than reacting to gaps. That’s a positive sign for the market as a whole.

A Quick Reality Check for Job Seekers: Your CV Matters

One thing that’s important is having an up to date CV. Recruiters need accurate information to move quickly. Candidates who send through a current, clear CV are easier to place, easier to represent and often secure work faster. It helps us do our job properly and helps you avoid delays.

If you’re looking for work, take the time to update your resume before applying. It makes a real difference.

Why We Rely Heavily on Our Candidate Database

TRS Resourcing continues to use job boards, but a large part of our recruitment now comes from our own database. There’s a reason for that. We prefer working with people we know, people we’ve placed before and people who value long-term relationships. Recruitment works best when it’s personal, not transactional.

For candidates, being part of our database means:

• Faster consideration for roles
• Access to work before it hits job boards
• Ongoing opportunities, not just one-off placements

For clients, it means proven people, not unknown quantities.

Building the Team Behind the Scenes

Internally, there’s also growth happening.

Trent’s recent promotion reflects strong performance and the development of his own recruitment desk, particularly across diesel mechanics and specialist trade roles. His progression is part of a broader focus on developing people properly within the business. We’re also actively looking for another trainee to support current workloads and continue building the next generation of recruiters. Training and mentorship remain a priority, especially as demand increases.

Alongside this, the construction desk continues to grow steadily, with more focus planned in the coming weeks as commercial construction clients return to market.

Trent Couacaud

Experience Still Counts in Recruitment

With over 25 years in recruitment, one thing remains clear: strong recruitment isn’t about volume. It’s about judgement, relationships and understanding how businesses actually operate. After decades in the industry, the focus is firmly on building sustainable teams both internally and for our clients.

That approach is what keeps candidates working, projects moving and clients coming back.

Looking for Trades or Work in Melbourne or Sydney?

If you’re a business looking for technical blue-collar workers contract or permanent or a tradesperson looking for your next role in Melbourne or Sydney, now is the time to have the conversation. The market is moving. The work is there. Plan early!

TRS Resourcing is here to help.

What We’re Seeing in the Trades Market Right Now: A TRS Resourcing Update from the Director