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Building a Construction Career: Your Personal Information Toolkit
Despite decreasing apprenticeship commencements in the construction industry over the last few years, trades remain one of Australia’s highest paying and strongest growing workforces.
It’s physically demanding, challenging and incredibly rewarding work. On top of the personal satisfaction of staying fit, solving complex problems and watching your work come to life, as a tradesperson you’re also contributing to one of Australia’s most vital resources: infrastructure.
Apprenticeships can be tricky to come by, and even harder to stick out if you’re not prepared to work hard. Only 56.2% of trades apprentices actually complete their apprenticeship. This statistic is the reason Australia is experiencing crucial skill shortages in the industry, but ironically, it also creates your opportunity to step up and demonstrate your worth to future employers.
More on the building and construction industry
As far as career stability, growth and variation go, the construction industry is a goldmine for all three. It’s a broad industry, where career opportunities can stretch from working your way up to a construction manager to starting your own business.
If you like challenging, hands-on work then a career in building and construction is a great option – regardless of whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking for a career change later in life.
If it’s the first time you’ve entertained the idea of starting a trade, you might be wondering:
- How will you find an apprenticeship?
- Is it possible to get a foot in the door as a mature age apprentice?
- What are apprenticeship minimum wages?
- How will you be able to live off an apprentice wage?
- What is it actually like working in construction?
- Is construction a safe industry to enter during the pandemic?
In this toolkit, we’ll explore all of these. You’ll also get to read insights and advice from apprentices currently working in various areas of construction.
The Different Trades and Salaries
Before diving headlong into construction, you need to decide which field you want to start in.
Trade | Salary range | Estimated industry growth |
---|---|---|
Carpenter | $50k-$100k | Strong growth projected |
Joiner | $45k-$68k | Strong growth projected |
Bricklayer | $51k-102k | Moderate growth projected |
Concreter | $43k-$93k | Strong growth projected |
Tiler | $52k-$126k | Strong growth projected |
Stonemason | $51k-$99k | Moderate growth projected |
Plasterer | $48k-$135k | Moderate growth projected |
Electrician | $55k-$122k | Moderate growth projected |
Plumber | $48k-$102k | Strong growth projected |
HVAC | $60k-$86k | Moderate growth projected |
Source: PayScale (based on experienced skill-level salary)
Job Outlook also has an extensive list of trades in the construction industry you can check out.
Vital Skills (You Probably Already Have)
Even before we get into field-specific skills, like carpentry or plumbing, there are some general skills and qualities that will help you stand out to employers and allow you to excel on the job.
- Physical endurance
- Coordination and dexterity
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Listening and communication
- Eagerness to learn
- Decision-making
- Organisation
- Great memory
Construction Job Descriptions
Let’s outline the role and responsibilities of carpenters, plumbers and construction managers. Carpentry and plumbing are both trades currently listed on the Additional Identified Skills Shortage list, meaning if you choose to start an apprenticeship in one of those areas you’re likely eligible for financial incentives.
Carpenter
Carpentry is a trade found mostly in the building and construction industry and is a versatile field of work. Carpenters construct and repair structures of wood, as well as other materials like fibreglass and plastic. Their work can range from erecting building frameworks to installing insulation, to creating cabinetry, windows and other fixtures.
44 hours
PER WEEK
3-4 year
APPRENTICESHIP
Cert III/IV
QUALIFICATION
Key Skills
- Coordination with others — 48%
- Critical thinking — 45%
- Monitoring — 43%
- Quality control analysis — 43%
- Active listening — 41%
Key Abilities
- Static strength — 55%
- Trunk strength — 54%
- Visualisation — 52%
- Near vision — 50%
- Extent flexibility — 50%
Duties:
- Follow client blueprints and building plans
- Install various structures and fixtures
- Measure, cut and shape the various materials required
- Inspect and replace damaged structures, fixtures or frameworks
- Operate tools and machinery
- Provide direction to labourers
Your Guide to Carpentry
Keen on carpentry? Explore more about what this field has to offer.
Plumber
Plumbing is another varied and broad field of construction, and they can work anywhere from residential, to commercial, to industrial sites. Plumbing isn’t just about working with installing and maintaining sewerage systems. It can also include the installation and maintenance of water supply systems, gas appliances, and cooling and heating systems, among other things.
44 hours
PER WEEK
4 Year
APPRENTICESHIP
Cert III/IV
QUALIFICATION
Key Skills
- Critical thinking — 52%
- Repairing — 48%
- Coordination with others — 46%
- Quality control analysis — 46%
- Active listening — 45%
Key Abilities
- Extent flexibility — 61%
- Oral comprehension — 54%
- Visualisation — 52%
- Near vision — 50%
- Problem spotting — 50%
Duties:
- Interpreting blueprints to plan plumbing layouts
- Installing, repairing and maintaining plumbing structures
- Inspecting and testing plumbing systems
- Using machinery to cut and assemble pipes, tubes, fittings and fixtures
- Problem spotting – catching potential problems with plumbing structures before they occur.
- Problem-solving
How to Become a Plumber: The Best Career Move for You
Take a deeper look at the lucrative field of plumbing.
Construction Manager
Construction management is a natural career progression for many people working in a trade. Many construction managers have cut their teeth through a trade apprenticeship and gained years of experience in that field before undertaking a higher-level building and construction course. A Certificate IV in Building and Construction or Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) are common next steps.
Construction managers are the most sought after professionals in construction, and lead a variety of projects, including civil engineering, commercial and residential, agriculture, institutional and industrial. On average, construction managers can make between $62k and $192k a year.
48 hours
PER WEEK
6-12 month
APPRENTICESHIP
Cert IV/Diploma
QUALIFICATION
Key Skills
- Coordination with others — 61%
- Monitoring — 59%
- Active listening — 57%
- Critical thinking — 57%
- Management of personal resources — 57%
Key Abilities
- Deducive reasoning — 57%
- Oral comprehension — 57%
- Oral expression — 57%
- Problem spotting — 57%
- Sorting or ordering — 57%
Duties:
- Oversee all onsite and offsite construction work
- Oversee and direct construction projects from conception through to completion
- Coordinate and direct construction workers and labourers
- Undertake risk management assessments
- Review work progress and provide reports outlining job status
- Ensure the construction adheres to regulatory requirements and standards
- Thoroughly review each project and plan ahead to schedule deliverables, estimate costs and prevent problems
- Ensure safety compliance
What Does a Construction Manager Do?
Learn more about progressing your trade career into construction management.
How to Find an Apprenticeship
Once you’ve decided the industry you’re keen to work in, your next step is to find an apprenticeship.
To get started, you first need to find an employer to take you on and sign a formal training contract with them.
There are several ways to go about finding an apprenticeship:
- Meet with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider
- Find apprenticeships online & apply
- Use your industry contacts
Meet with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider
Getting in touch with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Provider or a Group Training Organisation (GTO) is a great way to gain additional support on your job hunt.
If you register with a GTO’s they actually become your direct employer, and you are then hosted out to a ‘host employer’, where you’ll complete work day-to-day. GTO’s often have a list of apprenticeship jobs to be filled, which can make your job search a lot easier.
Find Apprenticeships Online and Apply
Look for advertisements on job sites
There are many national and state job sites that will advertise apprenticeships. You can even set up alerts for when certain jobs pop up, so you can get your resume in quickly. Just remember, if you’re only looking for jobs on these sites, you’re probably doing yourself a disservice, as many employers won’t utilise these services. You’ll have more luck if you spread yourself across a few platforms.
Get on social media and look for open positions
If you’ve got a preference for a certain company, find them on social media platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn and keep an eye out for job postings. Better yet, you could reach out to the employer directly – just be aware that they will be able to view your social media profile when you do, so either keep your settings on private, or delete anything you wouldn’t want an employer to see.
Use Your Industry Contacts
You might be surprised to know that many apprenticeships aren’t advertised, and in fact, a hidden job market exists where roles are circulated through trade networks. If you have any contacts in the area of trade you want to get into, leverage them to get a job interview. These contacts could be friends, family, or even acquaintances, but it’s best if you can get in touch with someone who can vouch for your character, work ethic and willingness to learn.
Do You Need to Complete a Pre-apprenticeship?
This can be a tricky one to answer. Technically, pre-apprenticeships are not a formal requirement for undertaking your traineeship. However, in certain fields of construction, employers will favour applicants who have completed the pre-apprenticeship.
Pre-apprenticeships offer a framework of basic skills and workplace awareness related to a particular trade, and because of this, it prepares you better to enter the workforce. It also comes with a host of other benefits, including:
- It’s a non-committal way to find out if you like the trade.
- If it includes work experience, that gives you something to put on your resume to help you stand out.
- You might receive credit for it, shortening the study time of your full apprenticeship.
- The provider you do it with might be able to help you find an employer for your full apprenticeship.
Source: AAPathways
Billy, 45, is in his first-year carpentry apprenticeship and says he believes completing his pre-apprenticeship was a key factor in securing employment.
“I did the pre-apprenticeship – the building and carpentry one – because I had heard a lot of people saying employers really require that. I doubt that I would be working in the industry at the moment had I not done that,” he explains.
Some of the key trades that look favourably on pre-apprenticeship completions are carpentry, plumbing and electrical. If you’re not sure whether your trade requires one, browse job advertisements in that field to see whether employers are specifically asking for them.
How to Find the Apprenticeship You Want
Find out more information about securing employment for your apprenticeship.
A Final Year Plumbing Apprentice’s Experience
At 23 years old, Lachie is in the final stretch of his plumbing apprenticeship. With a qualification insight, he shares his experience and insights for others wanting to start an apprenticeship.
What made you decide to start your apprenticeship?
“I always liked building things and working with my hands and tools, probably because I grew up with my dad building and renovating houses.”
Was it difficult to get your apprenticeship?
“Personally, no, I already had a lot of contacts I could call who got me an apprenticeship starting the next day.”
What have been some challenges so far?
“Probably the low pay rate as an apprentice and trying to buy all my tools. They’re really expensive once you start adding it all up, not to mention buying a car capable of carrying everything you need. My first year, when I was 19, paid $13 an hour.”
What do you find rewarding about your apprenticeship?
“Getting to see the finished product of your work is really rewarding and it’s always fun on-site with all the other tradies having a laugh and getting through the day.”
What would be your advice for someone wanting to complete an apprenticeship after high school?
“If you’re getting into it after school, start as soon as you can. The faster you start the sooner you finish and find a company you enjoy working with. Your first year is always the hardest, so push through it.”
How to Get a Mature Age Apprenticeship
The ‘easy point of entry’ everyone talks about as one of the benefits of doing a trade isn’t so applicable to mature age apprentices.
It’s not always an easy-in when you’re older, and that’s primarily because of the higher costs of taking on an adult apprentice – almost double the cost of a teenager. Because of that, it’s a little more difficult to find an employer who’s willing to take you on. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.
Here are three people who did it.
Billy, 45, First Year Carpentry
“Ultimately the thing that pushed me to start was that the role I was working in was causing me too much stress. I just needed to make a change. I thought, why not take the opportunity to do something that I actually enjoy doing. So I essentially changed careers.”
Read Billy's Experience
Before starting his apprenticeship, Billy had extensive career experience across multiple industries. From being a marine technician, a teacher, to a work cover case manager among other things. But, he says for the last 10 years he’d been wanting to get into carpentry.
“Ultimately the thing that pushed me to start was that the role I was working in was causing me too much stress. I just needed to make a change. I thought, why not take the opportunity to do something that I actually enjoy doing. So I essentially changed careers,” he says.
Since getting into carpentry, Billy says he most enjoys the physical nature of the work. “It’s a bit hard on an older body and I feel pretty tired at the end of the day – I go to bed at about 8 pm most nights. But, I do feel a lot better at the end of the day than what I did in any of the other careers that I had because there’s a lot less stress. Plus, with building, you can see what you’ve achieved at the end of the day. Your hard work is much more visible.”
How did you get your apprenticeship?
“Securing an apprenticeship required a lot of leg work in terms of finding any contacts that I could, and sending out a lot of applications. I think age was a bit of a barrier. I didn’t get a lot of callbacks from people who wouldn’t be interested. I’m assuming that a lot of employers looked at me and said, ‘Mature-age apprentice, he’s gonna be more costly.” So, that was probably an issue that reduced the amount of callbacks I got.
“But, ultimately, I had a couple of people call back, so it wasn’t any more difficult than job seeking in any other field.
“In terms of starting my apprenticeship, I was pretty fortunate. I started working about three weeks after I finished my apprenticeship as a labourer with the same company, which I originally undertook with the view to becoming a carpentry apprentice. It couldn’t have been any more perfect for me. They’re great guys to work for and work with, and they’re very good to me.
What’s your advice for other mature age apprentices?
“First of all, make sure you do the pre-apprenticeship, and really focus on the benefits of being mature aged. So, for me, I focused on demonstrating that different level of maturity where I’m not just looking for a job, I’m looking to find a company I can grow with. And I’m pretty sure that has really stuck with the guys that I’m working for because they’ve actually said it back to me a few times, like, ‘We’re really wanting you to grow with our company.’
“So, it’s important to let people know that you’re not just wanting to do your apprenticeship and leave, that you want to be a part of whatever it is that you’re joining. You need to remember that the cost of being a mature age apprentice is probably double if not more than getting a younger apprentice. So, you’ve really got to let the potential employer know why you better value.”
Hughy, 22, Second Year Plumbing
“It was initially hard to get my foot in the door, because a mature age apprentice costs nearly twice as much as a regular apprentice so you need a boss to really take a chance on you. I ended up getting my apprenticeship through a friend who referred me to their boss, as they were short on staff at the time.”
Read Hughy's Experience
“I started my apprenticeship because I wasn’t happy with my career path at uni, and had always enjoyed hands-on sort of work. So, I thought I’d give the plumbing a go,” Hughy says.
“It was initially challenging to get my apprenticeship due to the fact that I wanted to start my apprenticeship over the age of 21, which qualifies me as a mature age apprentice and the award rate is higher. This made it hard to get my foot in the door because a mature age apprentice costs nearly twice as much as a regular apprentice so you need a boss to really take a chance on you. I ended up getting my apprenticeship through a friend who referred me to their boss, as they were short on staff at the time.”
“Luckily, since starting my apprenticeship I haven’t faced too many challenges. I have worked at a few companies and all of them have been quite accommodating. However, there was a time when I was forced to look for another company, and it was difficult to get another job since bosses are reluctant to hire mature age apprentices. But, I was luckily able to find one to take me on. Aside from that, I’d say I haven’t had too many issues.
“I find my job really rewarding and fulfilling for the most part. I have always enjoyed hands-on work and problem solving, and plumbing is both of those things rolled into one, so I really enjoy my job and look forward to work each day. The range of work that plumbing offers is also a massive plus. Unlike some other trades, there are many different types of plumbing so it’s easy to find the jobs you like and don’t like. But, I tend to enjoy all aspects which is awesome.
“My advice I would give to someone looking for a mature age apprenticeship is to not get discouraged if companies won’t take you on due to the fact that you are mature age. Keep applying, whether it be via internet or phone, and if given an opportunity, make sure you work hard and show the boss that they made the right call taking a chance on a mature age apprentice.”
Richard, 23, First Year HVAC
“For anyone considering taking on an apprenticeship, I would say that it’s never too late to start it. Even though it’s a bit daunting, particularly with how low the wage is, it’s doable and worth sticking it out the few years to become qualified.”
Read Richard's Experience
“I decided to start the apprenticeship because I wanted to have a qualification in something rather than where I was working before which didn’t have any real growth opportunities like that and wasn’t mentally as challenging,” Richard says.
“I found the overall process of getting an apprenticeship challenge. But, to get my current job, I had a friend who worked at the company and he referred me, so I got an interview and then a job offer through that. But, in general, I didn’t hear back from anywhere else I applied where I didn’t know anyone at the company.
“When starting my apprenticeship, the biggest challenge for me is the money. I have to pay rent, and my apprentice wages are a significant weekly decrease from what I was on at my old job. Another challenge was having to do TAFE online after so much time off from school because of COVID-19. And it has meant we’ve missed out on a lot of the practical assessments we would usually do.”
“I really enjoy hands-on work, so being able to do something practical and work with my hands every day is really good. It’s also much more mentally stimulating than my last job, which was more just manual labour. Being able to learn and problem solve more has been rewarding.
“For anyone considering taking on an apprenticeship, I would say that it’s never too late to start it. Even though it’s a bit daunting, particularly with how low the wage is, it’s doable and worth sticking it out the few years to become qualified. I’d probably say it would be good to have some money saved up beforehand though, particularly if your old job was significantly higher income.”
Key Takeaways for becoming a mature age apprentice:
- Demonstrate your value and maturity to potential employers.
- Leverage your life experience and what you can bring to the table.
- Do your research and find out whether completing a pre-apprenticeship will set you ahead.
- Use your industry contacts to your advantage, and ask them to refer you to their employers.
- Have some money saved and a solid budget ready to go so you can cope with the wage decrease.
- As daunting as it might seem, it’s never too late to start.
Australian Apprenticeship Pathways also recommends that you:
- Look for jobs at large companies, because they are likely to be less concerned with paying higher wages.
- Contact employers directly by cold calling. This will give you an opportunity to demonstrate your initiative and outline your value to them, as well as minimising potential competition with younger applicants who won’t do this.
- As Billy suggested, find a solid way to market yourself to an employer. Give them reasons (financial incentives or otherwise) why you’re a better fit for them than someone younger.
Finally, don’t be discouraged if you’re struggling to get callbacks. It can be challenging to find an employer, but there are ones out there that will be open to giving you an opportunity.
Mature Age Apprenticeships: Are They Worth It?
Discover more about the benefits of becoming a mature age apprentice, as well as how to leverage your best qualities.
Apprenticeship Wages
1st Year Apprentice Wages:
Ages 16-20
Carpentry
$14.42
per hour
Plumbing
$14.02
per hour
Electrical
$12.88
per hour
1st Year Apprentice Wages:
Ages 21+ :
Carpentry
$22.42
per hour
Plumbing
$20.33
per hour
Electrical
$18.73
per hour
*All figures are approximate based on full-time employees, not working in Queensland, who don’t have any additional benefits or subsidies.
For more specific information regarding your minimum wage, check out Fair Work’s Pay Calculator.
Apprenticeship Wages
Learn more about State and Federal Awards and other wage-related costs.
Making Ends Meet
There’s no question that apprentice wages are a struggle to live off, especially if you’re over 21 and have life’s many financial responsibilities resting on your shoulders.
In times like this, it can be difficult figuring out if the risk of financial instability is worth it. But, before thinking you can’t pursue a trade – especially as a career change – because the wage decrease will be too steep to handle, it’s a good idea to look into the many financial support options that could be available to you.
If you’re 24 or younger and completing an apprenticeship, you may be eligible for:
If you’re 25 or older and completing an apprenticeship, you may be eligible for:
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander apprentice, you may be eligible for:
Other loans and allowances you may be eligible for:
Living Away from Home Allowance
If you’ve had to move away from your parent/guardian’s home to complete your apprenticeship, you may be eligible for a weekly allowance over the course of your study.
Trade Support Loans
Eligible apprentices will have access to loans of up to $21,078 over the course of their studies.
The Australian Apprenticeship Incentives Program (AAIP)
This program outlines that if you’re completing an apprenticeship leading to a job listed on the Additional Identified Skills Shortage (AISS) List, you’ll receive additional financial incentives one year into your apprenticeship, and again upon completion.
A Guide to The New Apprenticeship Initiative
Find out if you’re eligible for monetary supplements throughout your apprenticeship.
Industry Effects of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a 13% decrease in the number of Australians starting a construction apprenticeship according to NVCER’s March Quarterly Snapshot. On top of this, the number of suspended apprenticeship contracts is at a record high.
To counter this, the government launched its economic response: the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy. While this subsidy doesn’t go directly to apprentices, it does go to employers who chose to retain or re-engage eligible apprentices and means they receive a 50% subsidy of the apprentice’s wage to keep them employed.
You can read about eligibility here.
While this subsidy won’t directly help get new apprentices employed, it may free up some cash flow for employers to take some on anyway.
COVID-19 has also meant the revised apprenticeships initiative, ‘Incentives for Australian Apprentices’, which was set to replace AAIP in June 2020, was pushed back until January 1st, 2021. This new initiative includes a reduced list of payment categories (from 31 down to 14), however, the 14 categories include additional financial incentives.
Regardless, financial incentives for employers who take on new apprentices (including mature age apprentices) do still exist, so employers won’t be too hesitant to take on new people. Plus, with the government pushing harder than ever for people to upskill in particular trades, pandemic or not, now is an ideal time to look into starting a construction career.
The construction industry will continue running, while many other industries, such as real estate, come to a standstill. The Prime Minister has stated that construction is an economic priority, and it is predicted that it will help pull Australia through the COVID recession.
Time for a Fresh Start?
Pursuing an apprenticeship in building and construction will likely be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll make, and despite the COVD-19 pandemic, it remains a vital industry within Australia.
While it can be harder to secure employment if you’re making a career change later in life, it’s certainly not impossible, and pushing through the three to four-year wage decrease will lead to a financially sustainable and personally fulfilling career.
With apprenticeship commencements dropping, and completions barely over 50%, your opportunity to stand out and sign your apprenticeship contract with an employer is better than you might have thought – no matter what age you are.
If you’re keen to find out more about careers in construction, check out six common apprenticeship myths.
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