Diploma or Cert IV: Why Study a Diploma with Builders Academy

So you’ve finished your apprenticeship and are ready to take the next step. Firstly, Congrats! And secondly, if you’re considering further study, then you’re definitely on the path to success.

You’ve probably been wondering whether a diploma or cert IV is right for you. Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this first of our 2-part series, we’ll take a closer look at our CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) and some of the differences to a CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building).

What is a Diploma of Building and Construction?

This qualification is for tradies who want to take their skills to the next level. If you’re not happy to simply follow instructions, if you want a greater challenge, then the CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) is for you.

A diploma teaches you how to supervise and manage construction work. That means you gain the skills to take on roles with greater responsibility.

The Diploma of Building and Construction with Builders Academy Australia is a nationally-recognised course. That means you can use your qualification to get jobs in any state. Builders Academy Australia is also a trusted provider, having trained hundreds of tradies across the country.

How can you study a diploma?

Our CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) is designed for busy tradies to complete part time. This means you don’t have to take time off work to finish your studies. You also have in-person and online study options.

If studying in person, you attend classes two nights per week for 45- 58 weeks. Each week, you need 7 hours for classes, and up to 8 hours for homework assignments, for a total of 15 hours per week. Sounds manageable, right?

The number of weeks it takes to complete depends on how much industry experience you have, and whether you can get course credits with recognition of prior learning.

If studying online, you attend what we call the virtual classroom. This means you can watch lessons on your computer wherever (and whenever) suits you best. The online option is great for people who live in remote areas or can’t attend in-person classes due to prior commitments.

We also run two streams of the diploma. The standard stream is for tradies with a cert IV and less than 5 years’ experience. The experienced stream is for tradies with more than 5 year’s experience, regardless of whether you have a cert IV.

What are my career outcomes?

Now for the best part. With a CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building), you’re qualified to start your own business and be your own boss.

Even if you don’t want to start your own business, working for a construction company can come with many perks. With a diploma, you could do one of the following management roles:

• Construction projects supervisor
• Construction manager
• Site supervisor
• Estimator
• Project manager
• Foreperson

Pathway to university

If you’re liking supervisor and manager roles, you might consider continuing on this path. A diploma is your stepping stone to a university degree, which qualifies you to do higher-level jobs with bigger pay packets.

Diploma or cert IV: What’s the difference?

Now that you know what the diploma is all about, what are some of the similarities and differences to the cert IV?

The cert IV and diploma qualify you to do the same types of supervisory and managerial roles, but for different types of building projects.

The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) is for tradies who work—or want to work—with small to medium-sized low-rise building businesses.

The Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) is for tradies who work—or want to work—with medium-rise building projects up to three stories.

Diploma or Cert IV: Which is for you?

Now that you’ve finished your apprenticeship, you’re ready to take the next step in your career with either a diploma or a cert IV. Your choice depends on how much experience you have and what type of buildings you want to work on.

If you’ve just finished your apprenticeship, already know that you want to work in a supervisor or manager role, and prefer to work on medium-rise building projects, then the diploma is the right choice for you.

Looking to take the next step in your career with a CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)? Contact our team at 1300 LEGEND (1300 534 363) or request a callback and we will get back to you with all the information you need.