We are now going to take the time to unpack the building and construction industry. Imagine construction is a large box. Inside that box, you will find a smaller one that holds the various qualifications you will need to become a qualified construction worker. Inside that box, there are more boxes, each that holds the many jobs you may choose across the industry.
Understanding Australia’s construction industry (and what your role in it might be) will help you shape your career. It will also help ensure that you access the training and develop the skills and experience that you need to pursue interesting opportunities as they come along.
Safe Work Australia defines construction work as:
…any work carried out in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out, commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a structure, or preparation of a building site. 2
Fun fact!
The construction industry is the third-largest employer in Australia. In 2019, over 1,100,000 people were employed in construction-related jobs. Significant growth is forecast, too, especially post the COVID-19 pandemic.
We will now unpack the box of construction industry sectors. There are several different areas in the construction industry (known as sectors). The sectors share common elements such as legislation, codes of practice and an emphasis on safety. They also frequently work in cooperation. However, some of the sectors operate separately from the others regularly too. The sectors include:
- building completion services
- building installation services
- building structure services
- general construction and demolition
- signage and building surveying
- specialist construction services.
With the construction industry being the third largest industry in Australia, many different job roles fall under this umbrella. It is important to consider that when you choose your dream job role, you research what you will need to do to reach this goal. For example, you may need to undertake specific studies relevant to the job or participate in professional development to extend your existing skills. Industries evolve. This is why you need to ensure you are up to date with what changes are happening within your job to ensure you are always aware of what is going on with your industry.
Let us take a look at some of the many jobs that come under the construction industry umbrella.
Employment opportunities may include:
- Structural construction tradespersons
- Final finishes construction tradespersons
- Plumbers
- Carpentry and Joinery Tradespersons
- Fibrous Plasterers
- Roof Slaters and Tilers
- Bricklayers
- Solid Plasterers
- Wall and Floor Tilers and Stonemasons
- Electricians
- Estimators
- Contract, Program and Project Administrators
- Civil Engineering Professionals. 3
Fun fact!
There are nearly 118,800 jobs that are anticipated to be added to the construction by May 2023! 3
Throughout this module, you will see references to tradespeople (sometimes called skilled operators). The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) defines construction tradespeople as those who:
‘…construct and repair buildings and other structures, provide plumbing, drainage and mechanical services, and apply final finishes such as painting and flooring.” 1
The ABS also describes the tasks typically performed by tradespeople in the construction industry, which include:
- erecting framework, roof frames, roofs and walls
- laying floors, carpet and tiles
- applying plaster or cement coatings to walls
- building and installing fittings
- painting or wallpapering surfaces
- making signs
- excavating and installing plumbing and drainage systems
- installing gas appliances and air conditioning
- installing guttering and other rainwater goods.
To qualify as a tradesperson in one of the construction occupations listed above, you generally need at least a Certificate III qualification (sometimes higher). In some cases, relevant industry experience and additional licensing are also required.
It is also important that you understand your licensing and registration requirements for completing your current qualification. You might be surprised to learn that there will be additional requirements in most states and territories before you can register as a tradesperson.
The following websites contain information about registering as a tradesperson in different states and territories. Investigate your registration requirements and make a list of what you will need to do in addition to your current qualification.
Throughout your career, you will likely identify construction roles and opportunities that you may like to pursue. So how do you know if the skills, qualifications, and experience that you have are a match with those that are required for the tradesperson role that you are interested in?
In line with relevant occupational knowledge, the knowledge you require for your chosen job, there is also a series of fundamental skills needed to succeed.
We will now take a look at these in further detail.
Language, literacy and numeracy skills
Language literacy and Numeracy, sometimes known as LLN, are the series of skills needed to set the foundations of success. Without these skills, it becomes quite a challenge to undertake a job or study effectively.
Language
Language is the way we speak to one another. Humans compel interaction with language, and the way we communicate with one another the core to success. Language does not stop with verbal back and forth conversation; it also lies with nonverbal communication, the way we stand, sit, look, listen, and respond to others. Within construction, you will need to have effective language skills to work in a team and constantly. You need to understand the expectations, requirements and demonstrate you can follow instructions while working cooperatively with your team. This all comes under language.
Literacy
Literacy skills are not exclusive to an English major but are among the most integral skills in our everyday lives. Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak, and listen to others. These skills help to establish types of communication with others. Along with effective communication skills, reading and writing become integrated as a part of the literacy skills to support success in study and work and almost everything we do. As a construction worker, no matter the job you wish to seek, you need these skills to read the requests of a client, understand safety, report accidents, follow instructions, communicate in emails or via the phone, etc. Without literacy skills, imagine how challenging these tasks will be?
Numeracy
Numeracy skills have also become an integral attribute to success. It has been defined as the skills we need to use and interpret mathematical information and ideas. It is directly associated with problem-solving, logical thinking/ processing, understand numbers, time and patterns. Without literacy skills in construction, the interpretation of measurements, estimating, drawing plans, time frames would make the job daunting and overwhelming. 6
Learning agility and self-management
Learning agility and self-management are skills that can be broken down into some of the following categories, these include:
Mental agility
This refers to one’s ability to demonstrate curiosity and the willingness to want to learn more. Without mental agility in an industry (like construction), success would be challenging because the industry is evolving and changing with trends and experience required.
People agility
This is similar to emotional intelligence, where the skill requires the ability to understand the perspectives of others. They want to learn from others and are interested in their opinions, making this skill integral to effectively working.
Results agility
Those with this skill can strive in new experiences; they can demonstrate resourcefulness and deliver a successful result with challenges and new circumstances.
Self-awareness
This skill is essential because it is directly linked to how individuals recognise their own skills and abilities. They demonstrate the ability to acknowledge where their strengths are and strive to improve in areas lacking. This skill is not to be overlooked, especially when taking the initiative to develop skills further.
Self-management
Similar to self-awareness, self-management is more directed towards the driver and the dedication of an individual. Those with self-management skills can understand and read situations without constantly being told what to do; they can take the initiative and see when something needs to be done. 7
Thinking critically
Critical thinking skills play a role in the success of the construction industry. With the job requiring complexity (like construction), you must understand how to analyse and assess a situation. Take sustainable practice, for example; if you saw piles of rubbish dumped at the side of the site, a critical thinker would be able to assess the situation, determine the possible hazards, and develop a way to prevent this from continually occurring. They can look at the big picture and effectively dissect the details to put them into practice.
Solving problems
Problem-solving skills are life skill we all need. Looking at a situation that has blocked you from completing a job or a task then work out a way to overcome it is what makes an effective problem solver. You will be able to come up with strategies to make the situation work and avoid a recurrence.
Communication skills
To work effectively in a team, you need to be able to communicate. This is not to say you only need to engage in a back-and-forth conversation. But you also need to be able to listen to what is being said to you. You will need to understand and comprehend instructions. Many mistakes can be made without proper communication; lack of communication can break down a team because the entire team is not receiving the information they need appropriately. It is important to interpret what is being said to you, communicate your understanding, and ask for help if you are unsure.
Technology
With a technologically evolving world, this skill has become one that is in high demand. These days, many tasks are undertaken digitally or paperless, requiring the need to use technology effectively. Whether this is a computer, smartphone, tablet, or even machinery, technology has become the norm in everyday life. You will often find, plans, checklists, and contracts have all been uploaded digitally. Machines these days are often equipped with computer systems that are needed to operate them. A lot of communication is put into writing through emails; therefore, using technology to deliver such communication is very important.
When you first hear them, these skills may have appeared to be irrelevant to construction; however, once you have unpacked them and looked at them closely, you can see the fundamental role they have to play in the success within the industry. It is also important to consider, some of these integral skills are also lacking. There is a simple way of determining your own skills by conducting a personal skills audit.
Conducting a personal skills audit
A personal skills audit is much like a self-evaluation to determine where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Once you have determined this, you will build on your existing skills and improve in the areas you may find require more knowledge. A personal skills audit is a five-step process that has been broken down into the following steps.
- Identify a role. Select the role you are interested in, obtain the position description, and gather as much information as possible about the role.
- List the requirements of the role. Include training, qualifications, experience, certifications, licensing.
- List your current skills. List your current skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications, licensing, certifications, and so on.
- Identify gaps. Identify the gaps between what you need and what you have.
- Make a plan. Make a plan to address the gaps through study, training, further experience and so on.
We have provided a template for conducting a personal skills audit. Here are some tips to help you complete it.
- Do as much research as you can. The more you know about the role, the company and the industry sector, the more likely it is that you can meet their expectations.
- Be as honest as you can about your level of knowledge, skills and experience.
- Be as detailed as you can.
- Seek feedback from others. Talk to industry experts, trainers, colleagues, careers advisers, and people already in the role.
Download the Personal Skills Audit Template and save it to your device. You can add to this template as you develop skills in your professional repertoire.
Creating a resume
Once you have started to build your skills, you become more qualified and gain more experience, and you will start to visualise what job role you would like.
There comes a time where you will need to create a CV or resume outlining all of your skills and experience to apply for a job. Some of you may have already had experience writing a resume, and while the process is fairly straightforward, it requires quite a lot of detail.
Typically, a resume is paired with a cover letter. The cover letter is addressed to the company you are applying with and details yourself and what you have to offer as an employee. Your cover letter should be formal in its direction and showcase your abilities as, essentially, you are competing with others for the position. It would help if you considered what you have to offer that stands out from others and make an employer choose you as the successful candidate.
The following is an example of what a cover letter would generally look like. You would alter the wording in your letter to suit your own strengths, abilities, and experience.
To whom it may concern,
I would like to express interest in the position of [insert the position you are applying for]
I have been employed as an apprentice [or relevant position at current employment, OR you would outline what study you have carried out if you are yet to have gained experience. In this case, you would outline the responsibilities you carried out when you were on work placement.]
I am hardworking, motivated and take pride in working in a team and following instructions from relevant workplace employers and supervising staff. During my employment, I ensure I take the initiative to ask questions and seek advice on improving and taking on board constructive criticism to apply for future work tasks.
These skills and experience I have obtained have motivated my decision to apply for this position. I believe I have the ability to work collaboratively to achieve workplace goals and objectives.
Thank you for your consideration,
[your name]
Alongside your cover letter, you will attach your resume. As it is sometimes called, the resume or CV breaks down your skills, experience, education, and employment history. As your skills develop over time, you can continue to add to your resume to pursue additional employment opportunities.
You can use various templates to develop your resume, and most computers are equipped with their own inbuilt templates for resumes that you can select from to display and submit to the employer.
Download the following Resume Sample PDF as an example of what a resume structure would typically look like and what it should detail.
