Building and Construction in Australia
This highly influential sector currently employs more than one million workers, making it one of Australia’s largest industries, and last year alone, construction activity in Australia was worth a staggering $212 billion (roughly 8% of our entire GDP). The top occupations in building and construction by employment numbers are carpenters and joiners, electricians and plumbers.
The building and construction industry can be divided into two main sectors, residential and non-residential. Residential includes new home building and renovations, while non-residential includes engineering (such as bridges, roads and highways), institutional and commercial (such as schools, hospitals and high rises), and heavy industrial (such as mining and power plants).
Construction isn’t just about building things either, as this important industry is also tasked with safely and efficiently dismantling structures as well.
Building and Construction Courses
While getting an entry level job rarely requires more than a hard hat, a set of steel toed boots and a can-do attitude, if you plan on advancing into roles with greater responsibility and higher pay, a little education can go a long way.
Taking part in building courses can provide you with an extensive range of knowledge you’ll need to get out into the field and begin work. Whether you are a new school-leaver, someone looking to change careers, or have years of experience in the industry and want to expand your horizons, the TAFE courses advertised through us are designed to provide the skills and knowledge to suit your needs right now.
Certificate
Certificate level programs are a fantastic option, as they provide a direct pathway to a wide range of apprenticeships; can lead to roles such as building estimator and foreman, and take as little as twelve months to complete. Best of all, TAFE certificates span everything from basic construction training to specialised building courses, some of which will even make you eligible for your builder’s license, such as the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building). If you’re after a course that’ll teach you the basics of carpentry, joinery and levelling, as well as the use of tools and equipment, these certificates are a perfectly suited to your needs, which also teach you the basics of calculations and work safe practices needed whenever you’re on the job.
Diploma
Diploma programs are ideal for those looking to take their skills and knowledge even further, as they allow you to focus in on a core area of interest, develop your skills, and put them into practice. For example, a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) will usually take one to two years to complete and covers everything you’ll need to know to thrive in roles ranging from builder to Draftsperson. This qualification is also essential in providing you with the management and administrative skills needed on the job, as well as how to liase with clients, other contractors and oversee the progress of a specific job.
The great thing about some diploma courses in building and construction, is that they can sometimes be completed online, with some work placement components required throughout the program. These are perfect for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the industry but would prefer a role as a site supervisor or manager.
Bachelor Degree
If you’d like to specialise your skills even further consider a bachelor degree, as these widely respected programs go into intricate detail regarding some of the most challenging roles in the industry. Not only will you emerge with a great deal of knowledge and expertise but also a huge earning potential; for example, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) can lead to construction management positions which are currently paid an average of $123,504 per year in Australia.
These bachelor programs can take up to four years to complete, but due to their comprehensive nature, the amount of knowledge and skills you will acquire are nothing short of a worthy investment. A Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) covers all areas of civil, commercial and residential construction as well as estimating, project management and cost maintenance. Most of these bachelor courses include a work placement element, to ensure that you have the chance to gain the skills needed through on- site training.
Career Prospects in Building and Construction
While there was a lot of talk of doom and gloom surrounding the industry when the recent mining boom came to an end, many non-mining areas of building and construction have continued to thrive, such as aged care, retail and hospitality. Furthermore, this massive industry has many workers aged 50 years or older so thousands of opportunities are expected to open as many retire in the next 5 to 10 years.
Regardless of where you focus your efforts and skilled, qualified graduates can expect plenty of opportunities; after all, there’ll always be a need for homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and the rest of the infrastructure that makes up modern society. Australia’s recent push towards reducing carbon emissions will likely mean even further opportunities, particularly for those interested in green building techniques.
Is Building and Construction Right for You
Whether you want to spend your days planning intricate designs and watching them come to life or would rather be in there doing the hard yards yourself, building and construction is the perfect choice for those who are committed, motivated and not afraid to break a sweat.
So, are you ready to start building something great If so, find your course, sign up and get started today!