Career Opportunities in the Building and Construction Industry

There are some things crucial to this world and without them the world would cease to exist as we currently know it. As food and water are to the individual, so is construction to society. If we were to eliminate houses, roofs, apartments, facilities, roads and bridges, it would be like living back in the Dark Ages. Building and construction activities include work on new structures as well as alterations, additions and repairs to existing ones.

Career opportunities in the building and construction industry are expected to rise strongly in the coming years, especially for professionals with training and experience in construction. Experience can be obtained by beginning your studies with the Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship (22338VIC) course before moving into an apprenticeship within the industry. This rise in job prospects each year is due to experienced construction workers retiring from the industry and the continuing increase in the population and requirements for more infrastructure.

Industry Overview

The building and construction industry not only constructs buildings and other structures, but also is engaged in alterations, additions, reconstruction, installation, maintenance and repairs. The building and construction industry undertook $48 billion worth of construction in Victoria in 2017-18, representing 12% of the economic activity^*. This sector currently employs approximately 270,000 people^*, with the greatest growth in the Construction Services sub-sector.

In 2018, the top five priority occupations in the Construction industry were^{^}:

• Carpenters and Joiners
• Plumbers
• Bricklayers
• Solid Plasterers
• Wall and Floor Tilers

Work Environment

In Australia, carpenters held approximately 133,100^* jobs in 2018 with many of these carpenters being self-employed. Most carpenters work in the construction industry, and they are accountable for the largest portion of the building and construction trades occupations.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Carpenters and Joiners - Median salary AU $74,100⁺

Over the next five years, the number of job opportunities for Carpenters and Joiners is expected to be high due to the demand for infrastructure. Employment for this occupation has risen strongly in the past five years and will continue to rise at a moderate rate in the long-term. Opportunities for Carpenters and Joiners should be available in most regions due to the size and variation available within this trade. Carpenters and Joiners are mainly employed in Construction, Manufacturing and Education and Training. Within the construction industry carpenters also have the highest number of self-employed people.

Registered Builder - Median salary AU $100,000⁺

With a career as a Registered Builder, you will see a high number of employment opportunities arise over the next four years. Employment in this occupation rose steadily over the past five years and is expected to continue to have moderate growth in the long-term. A Registered Builder working full time can expect to work an average of 40 hours per week. There is currently a high turnover for construction labourers so there are always excellent prospects for those looking to enter the profession. This high turnover is largely due to people leaving the profession to look for more physically comfortable jobs. Prospective builders can maximise their employability by being willing to relocate to a construction site that may be far away.

Architectural, Building & Surveying Technicians - Median salary AU $57,311⁺

In November 2019, it is predicted the number of job opening for Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians is expected to be above average. Occupations within this sector have risen slightly in the past five years and are expected to continue to grow moderately into the future Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians are predominantly employed in Construction, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services as well as the Public Administration and Safety sector.

Construction Manager - Median salary AU $117,343⁺

The number of job openings for Construction Managers in 2019 is expected to remain high. Employment prospects for this occupation have remained relatively steady in the past five years and are projected to remain strong for the future. The average earnings for this job are high and opportunities will be available in most regions. Construction Managers are mainly employed in Construction, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services and Manufacturing sectors.