LEARN ABOUT DIFFERENT JOBS IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Careers in the construction industry are a safe bet as one of the largest industries in Australia, with plenty of opportunities to grow your salary and find jobs in building and construction suited to your skillset.

Building and construction involves more than just what you can see on a work site. With the right qualifications under your belt, you can find employment in a range of hands-on, supervisory or even project manager roles.

Find out how much more you could be earning as a registered builder through BAA.

What are the most common types of construction workers?

Keen to know more? Let’s break down some of the different types of construction professionals you’ll find in the industry.

1. Carpenters and Joiners

Many tradies start their jobs in construction as carpenters and joiners, as it provides a solid base from which to build their construction careers.

But what’s the difference between a carpenter and a joiner?

• While both work with all types of timber, joiners will usually stick to their workshop – creating structures such as doors, stairs, windows or trusses. On the other hand, carpenters carry out most of their construction work on-site.
• To become a carpenter or joiner, you’ll first need to complete an apprenticeship.
• Once you’re qualified, your job prospects really start to open up. You might decide to take your on-the job training up a notch and become a supervisor, or establish a small business – it’s up to you.

2. Construction Managers

Consider yourself a leader? When it comes to jobs in building and construction, construction managers sit right near the top. Their role is to:

• Oversee projects from the early planning stages, right through to the final result of the construction process.
• It’s also their responsibility to hire and supervise workers, coordinate schedules, estimate costs, report on progress to clients, and basically keep everything in top shape as a project manager.

To become a construction manager, you’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree, CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building), or CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building). These building and construction courses are more about theoretical learning, less about the hands-on skills and on-the-job training needed to work as a tradie.

 

3. Plumber

There’s more to plumbing than just pipes and drainage!

• Plumbers are responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining heating, cooling, gas, water supply, ventilation systems, and more.
• Not only do they work with people in their homes, but also on bigger commercial construction sites.
• Depending on the job at hand, plumbers will often need to be licensed across several classes.
• Just like carpentry, plumbers need to complete one of the apprenticeship programs with a registered practitioner, along with class-based learning in a program such as the CPC40920 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (Plumber).

After completing building and construction courses, your career is in your hands. Employment in plumbing across Australia has been steady over the past few years and will continue to rise all over the country—good news for you.

Find out how much more you could be earning as a registered builder through BAA.

4. Building and Construction Inspector

For those who love the nitty gritty of the building and construction industry, being a building inspector ticks all the right boxes.

• These are the professionals qualified to inspect both domestic and commercial structures, making sure everything is completed safely and complies with the safety standards and regulations, as well as the original building plans.
• Building inspectors look into everything from structural issues, scaffolds and electrical concerns, to wear and tear and potential hazards.
• They ensure that health and safety is being taken seriously across the construction site.
• Becoming a building inspector can require a combination of solid work experience and education.

You might start your career as a qualified carpenter or electrician, or seek out an apprenticeship with a licensed building inspector. Either way, if you’re looking for a secure and interesting line of work, this can be a great choice.

5. Building Estimator

What is a building estimator? To put it simply, it’s someone responsible for preparing the budget for building and construction projects.

• Working alongside suppliers, electricians, contractors, architects, builders, and civil engineers, it’s their job to make sure the building projects are profitable.
• Being a building estimator is mostly an office job, geared towards people who love working with numbers.
• They often have years of work experience in a trade, as well as a certain level of education.

For those looking to advance their career, building estimators can springboard into a range of senior positions.

What are the career pathways in construction

These are just five of the many jobs in building and construction. While it’s a massive industry to navigate and carve out career paths, starting your journey with Builders Academy Australia will help to give you the best options.

We offer building and construction courses that ensure you’re work-ready and qualified to meet real-world industry needs. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, looking to switch careers, or ready to take your training up a level, we’re here to help.

The outlook for different jobs in the construction industry in Australia is promising. There are so many different jobs in the construction industry and plenty plenty of opportunities for all types of construction workers to not only forge successful careers in construction but to make a lasting impact too.

Find out how much more you could be earning as a registered builder through BAA.

This article has been updated and republished on 24th March 2023.