fbpx
Enquire 1800 007 400
Menu
 

Construction Industry

Construction is a large employing industry.

Trades workers are vital to Construction, with Apprenticeships and Traineeships the main entry pathway. Jobs in Construction can be physically demanding, like bricklaying, meaning that many people leave the industry when they are older. This opens opportunities for young people, and the training and experience can lead to management jobs. Whilst women are encouraged to enter the industry, the majority of workers are male. The nature of work in the Construction industry means that part-time jobs are rare, however certain projects such as road construction etc. only last for a specific period of time before workers move onto the next project.

Explore the topics below to learn everything you need to know about working in construction.

 

What do Construction Workers do?

Construction workers play a key role in the Australian economy. They are skilled professionals who build our homes, schools, and office buildings as well as construct our roads and extract raw materials for our domestic and export markets.

There are lots of different types of jobs offered in the Construction industry such as those listed below:

  • Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics
  • Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians
  • Bricklayers and Stonemasons
  • Building and Plumbing Labourers
  • Carpenters and Joiners
  • Civil Engineering Professionals
  • Concreters
  • Construction Managers
  • Crane, Hoist and Lift Operators
  • Earthmoving Plant Operators
  • Electrical Distribution Trades Workers
  • Electrical Engineering Draftspersons, Technicians
  • Electricians
  • Fencers
  • Floor Finishers
  • Gardeners
  • Glaziers
  • Industrial Spray painters
  • Insulation and Home Improvement Installers
  • Land Economists and Valuers
  • Other Construction and Mining Labourers
  • Other Mobile Plant Operators
  • Painting Trades Workers
  • Paving and Surfacing Labourers
  • Plasterers
  • Plumbers
  • Railway Track Workers
  • Roof Tilers
  • Structural Steel Construction Workers
  • Wall and Floor Tilers

Back to top

 

What are the job prospects for Construction Workers?

The number of people working as a Construction worker is expected to grow from 1.322 million in 2021 to 1.388 million in 2026. That’s a 5.8% increase or an extra 66,400  jobs. (Department of Education, Skills and Employment).

Back to top

 

What type of skills do Construction Workers need?

There are several key skills and attributes that Construction Workers need to be successful in their role.

Ability to cope with the physical demands of the job

Enjoy practical and outdoor work in various weather conditions

Ability to work independently without supervision as well as part of a team

Ability to work at
a constant pace

Ability to read and understand safety instructions

Ability to follow precise directions

Back to top

 

What training do you need to be a Construction Worker?

You can work as a Construction worker without formal qualifications.

In the majority of cases, you will learn the trade through informal training on the job. You can also become a Construction worker by learning a specific trade through an Apprenticeship or Traineeship. Entry requirements to this industry vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Before you work on construction sites in Australia, you’ll need to hold relevant tickets to demonstrate competency and awareness of best practice.

  • White Card – Mandatory for all construction workers
    Before working on any construction site you will need to hold a White Card. This card is awarded for successful completion of the General Construction Induction course.

Other tickets you may need:


  • RIW Ticket – If you want to work on rail jobs, you’ll need to hold a Rail Industry Worker ticket. There are many hazards that are unique to rail work, and you need to demonstrate a strong understanding of the risks involved and ways to mitigate them.

  • Working at Heights Ticket – Working at heights comes with inherent risks, and this ticket will provide you with the knowledge needed to perform your duties safely and look after others. Depending on the height at which you are working you may also require an Elevated Work Platforms Ticket (EWP).

  • Confined Space Entry Tickets – A self-explanatory ticket that is required for anyone wanting to work within confined spaces. This ticket will cover some of the risks associated with working in a confined space such as the gases and vapours in the atmosphere that may be present and how to go about mitigating any risks.

  • High Risk Work Licence – This licence is required to operate some machinery, erect scaffolding or undertake dogging or rigging work.

  • Traffic Control Work Training Card – If you want to work in traffic control or planning you will need a Traffic Control Work Training Card.

  • Asbestos Removal – Many older buildings within Australia contain asbestos which is hazardous to human health. If you will be working with or around asbestos, you will need to obtain this ticket to demonstrate awareness of safety and best practice. There are three different levels of asbestos removal tickets: awareness, removal and supervision of removal.

Source: https://www.advancedgroupservices.com.au/what-tickets-do-i-need-to-work-in-the-construction-industry

Back to top

 

What careers can a Construction Qualification lead to?

If you want to progress beyond entry-level positions the best way to get ahead is through quality education. There are various certificate, diploma and bachelor level qualifications available in the Construction industry to suit your specific needs, wants and capabilities.

Just some of the building and construction courses you can do to start your career include:

  • Certificate II in Construction (Pre-Apprenticeship)
  • Certificate II in Construction Pathways
  • Certificate III in Carpentry (Apprenticeship)
  • Certificate IV in Building and Construction
  • Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
  • Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
  • Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
  • Diploma of Building Design
  • Diploma in Building
  • Diploma in Civil Engineering Online
  • Diploma of Building and Construction Online
  • Bachelor of Building Management

A typical tradesman will work their way up from the bottom, putting in the hard work and long hours, until the fruits of their labour begin to show. Often, once qualified, individuals will form their own small business and start hunting for their own personal clients and contracts. Once qualified, there is the chance to work across the country, with skilled workers always in demand throughout the nation.

Please note: ETC does not provide training in Construction. ETC customer can talk to their Jobs Advisor to discuss their training options.

Back to top

 

What do I do if I am interested in a career in Construction?

Contact us on 1800 007 400 to discuss our training and employment opportunities.

Other Resources:

Your Career – an Australian Government website with careers information tailored to your preferences.

 
 

WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

Get one of our friendly staff to contact you today.

Enquire Today

    Stay in The Know

    Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about the latest tips, trends and business insights from ETC.

      Skip to content