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101 Achievements for a Tradie Resume

  • Writer: nicolejessicacoggan
    nicolejessicacoggan
  • 5 days ago
  • 4 min read


When you’re applying for a job as a tradie — whether you're a carpenter, electrician, plumber, concreter, mechanic, or machine operator — it’s not enough to list what you did.

You need to show how well you did it.


Employers want to see proof you’re reliable, skilled, efficient, and safe — and the best way to show that is by listing achievements, not just duties.


Here’s a list of 101 real-world achievement ideas you can use to help build a powerful, practical tradie resume.




Why List Achievements?

  • Shows you're good at your trade, not just trained in it.

  • Proves reliability, quality, and efficiency.

  • Makes you stand out compared to "standard" resumes.

  • Gives employers real reasons to hire you.


101 Achievements for Tradie Resumes


Carpenters

  1. Completed 25+ residential fit-outs within tight deadlines.

  2. Reduced material waste by 15% through precise cutting methods.

  3. Built and installed custom cabinetry for high-end homes.

  4. Led a team of apprentices on a $500,000 renovation project.

  5. Improved site safety compliance, reducing incidents by 30%.

  6. Constructed commercial office spaces from blueprint to handover.

  7. Completed framing on a 10-house development 2 weeks ahead of schedule.

  8. Received "Best Workmanship" award 3 years running.

  9. Trained 3 apprentices who went on to qualify early.

  10. Read and interpreted complex plans without errors.



Electricians

  1. Completed rewiring of 50+ homes with zero safety incidents.

  2. Installed solar systems that reduced client energy bills by 40%.

  3. Diagnosed and fixed electrical faults in record time.

  4. Oversaw electrical installation for major commercial developments.

  5. Maintained 100% compliance with Australian electrical standards.

  6. Trained junior sparkies on high-voltage safety procedures.

  7. Installed smart home automation systems for 30+ clients.

  8. Completed emergency repairs within 24-hour service standards.

  9. Designed lighting layouts that improved energy efficiency by 20%.

  10. Passed all site inspections on the first attempt.



Plumbers

  1. Installed plumbing systems for 10+ new residential estates.

  2. Reduced job costs by sourcing better supplier deals.

  3. Diagnosed water leaks using non-invasive methods, saving clients money.

  4. Upgraded commercial plumbing systems to meet new code standards.

  5. Completed bathroom and kitchen renovations with 5-star reviews.

  6. Improved drainage systems to prevent waterlogging on multiple sites.

  7. Led a team on a $1 million plumbing contract.

  8. Responded to emergency plumbing callouts within 2 hours.

  9. Completed stormwater installations during extreme weather challenges.

  10. Identified and corrected previous contractor defects, saving $20,000 in repairs.


Concreters

  1. Poured and finished 500+ cubic metres of concrete without rework.

  2. Managed large commercial slab pours with strict timelines.

  3. Achieved a 98% defect-free record over two years.

  4. Operated multiple machines: laser screed, trowel machines, boom pumps.

  5. Delivered driveway jobs consistently within quoted timeframes.

  6. Improved decorative concrete techniques to increase client satisfaction.

  7. Assisted in reducing crew overtime by streamlining site prep.

  8. Finished large warehouse slabs to laser-flat tolerances.

  9. Completed public infrastructure concreting (footpaths, curbs, and crossings).

  10. Consistently met or exceeded set slump and finish standards.



Mechanics

  1. Diagnosed and repaired 100+ vehicles monthly with a 95% fix rate on first visit.

  2. Completed diesel engine rebuilds under tight timeframes.

  3. Improved workshop efficiency by reorganising tool layout.

  4. Passed all compliance audits with no non-conformances.

  5. Trained apprentices on complex engine diagnostics.

  6. Increased upsells of preventative maintenance by 20%.

  7. Reduced warranty claims by improving first-time fix rates.

  8. Implemented new diagnostic software, cutting troubleshooting time by 30%.

  9. Worked on fleet vehicles ensuring 95% uptime.

  10. Developed customised maintenance schedules for clients, extending vehicle lifespan.



Machine Operators

  1. Safely operated dozers, excavators, and graders for large-scale projects.

  2. Completed over 1,000 hours of accident-free machine operation.

  3. Achieved fine-grade tolerance within 5mm consistently.

  4. Reduced fuel use by optimising machine operation techniques.

  5. Trained junior operators on safe earthmoving practices.

  6. Completed bulk earthworks on mining sites ahead of schedule.

  7. Conducted daily machine inspections preventing major repairs.

  8. Operated under strict environmental protection policies with zero violations.

  9. Adapted quickly to new machines, reducing downtime during site changes.

  10. Worked FIFO on remote sites with 100% attendance record.


Roofers

  1. Installed 10,000m²+ of roofing with zero leaks.

  2. Managed roofing crews across multiple work sites.

  3. Completed storm damage repairs during critical response periods.

  4. Installed insulation systems to boost home energy efficiency.

  5. Identified supplier errors early, saving $15,000 on materials.

  6. Completed metal, tile, and commercial flat roof systems to code.

  7. Improved installation techniques, cutting average job time by 20%.

  8. Conducted roof inspections for insurance claims, achieving high accuracy.

  9. Won “Safety Excellence” award for fall prevention practices.

  10. Maintained 100% compliance on working-at-heights certifications.



General Building/Labour Achievements

  1. Met or beat deadlines on 95% of projects worked on.

  2. Recognised as “Employee of the Month” multiple times.

  3. Promoted from labourer to leading hand within 18 months.

  4. Worked overtime or weekends as needed to meet project milestones.

  5. Maintained clean, organised worksites resulting in fewer safety incidents.

  6. Supported multiple trades during large builds (plumbing, electrical, framing).

  7. Learned new tools or machinery quickly without formal training.

  8. Helped deliver projects with zero lost-time injuries (LTIs).

  9. Assisted site supervisors by managing supply deliveries.

  10. Adapted to changes in project scope with minimal disruption.



Apprenticeship Achievements

  1. Completed apprenticeship 6 months ahead of schedule.

  2. Scored top marks in trade school assessments.

  3. Received “Most Improved Apprentice” award.

  4. Selected to represent employer at apprentice awards.

  5. Completed high-risk licence or additional training during apprenticeship.

  6. Successfully managed small jobs without supervision.

  7. Developed strong customer service skills dealing with clients on-site.

  8. Won praise from clients in post-job feedback.

  9. Volunteered for after-hours callouts and weekend shifts.

  10. Became trusted assistant to site supervisor within 12 months.



Safety & Compliance

  1. Passed all site safety audits with zero breaches.

  2. Led pre-start toolbox talks for teams of 5–15 workers.

  3. Achieved site safety targets 12 months running.

  4. Implemented new PPE compliance checks improving site safety.

  5. Conducted risk assessments that prevented potential injuries.

  6. Achieved White Card, Working at Heights, and EWP certifications.

  7. Contributed ideas to improve site emergency procedures.

  8. Achieved "Zero Harm" record on a major infrastructure project.

  9. Participated in Mental Health Awareness initiatives on construction sites.

  10. Improved SWMS (Safe Work Method Statements) compliance by 25%.

  11. Helped create safer access paths across active construction zones.



Final Tips for Writing Achievements

  • Focus on numbers, timeframes, quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

  • Start each bullet point with an action verb (Built, Completed, Led, Improved).

  • If you can, name specific projects, types of work, or machines/tools you used.

  • Keep it honest but impressive — employers appreciate real, hands-on experience.

 
 
 

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