labourer job description

While the duties of a labourer vary depending on the industry you work in, some of the typical tasks include: checking equipment: you ensure the tools are operating, electricity is available, and that machines are properly prepared for tasks. It's wise to think about your foreman's and contractor's needs ahead of time; this enables you to take steps that make everyone's work easier. preparing the construction site for work: as a labourer, you build scaffolding and temporary structures to enable access to the work area. You also dig trenches, compact earth and backfill holes to prepare foundations for construction work. assisting tradespeople: you assist construction workers and warehouse operatives with their work. For instance, you move bricks, timber, mortar, or warehouse items to the correct area. You also help with mixing mortar for bricklaying and performing simple construction work. operating and maintaining machinery: as a labourer, you operate construction equipment and heavy machinery at the worksite. For instance, you use forklifts to move items to the required height and operate cement mixers at construction sites. After construction, you clean the equipment and check for any repairs or replacements required. maintaining safety at construction sites: as a labourer, you ensure the construction site is safe for the general public and other construction workers. You move machinery and materials out of pathways to prevent accidents. You also clean the work sites and remove hazardous components. loading and unloading: as a labourer, you load trucks and prepare them for deliveries. You also offload trucks when they arrive at the warehouse. You may use forklifts or other machines to load and offload trucks and materials at a worksite.

As a labourer, you work in diverse industries, from construction to warehouse and mining work sites, exposing you to various work environments. However, most labourers in the construction or mining industry work outdoors. That means you are exposed to extreme weather conditions, from cold to hot. Sometimes, you work in the winter to clear ice before a construction project commences. In some industries, like factories, you work indoors in climate-controlled environments. Since you work in hazardous areas prone to accidents, you require a hard hat and other protective equipment. The role is hands-on and involves travelling from one job site to another.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include warehouse workers , construction project managers and carpenters . You might also be working in close proximity to construction workers and cleaners , as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, crane operators , delivery drivers and supervisors

Labourers work four to six days a week, but some get weekends off, depending on the employer. Work shifts can be long, but there are breaks every couple of hours. Labourers who work for hourly wages often only work early mornings. If you are a labourer with a day-labouring agreement, you complete your entire workday before being paid.

Building contractors always need plumbing, lighting, concrete, woodwork and other manual labourers. You can start as a general labourer at a construction site and improve your skills in other trades. For instance, you could attend training to become a machine operator, crane operator or forklift operator. Consider learning a construction trade, like bricklaying or carpentry, to enjoy better job prospects. Whichever path you choose, the varied experience gained in a labourer role will stand you in good stead.

advantages of finding a labourer job through randstad

Finding your labourer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a labourer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what does a labourer get paid in Australia?

As a labourer, you earn an average salary of $60,000 per year. In an entry-level position, you start with a remuneration package of $55,000 annually, while experienced labourers take home over $65,000 annually. The earnings depend on the industry you work in and the qualifications.

what do you need to be a labourer?

You don’t require educational qualifications, but it helps to have some experience in using hand and power tools. To work in construction, you require a White Card, meaning you should complete the required training.

what are the duties of a skilled labourer?

As a skilled labourer, you build using bricks, prepare the foundation and perform minor electrical, plumbing or carpentry repairs. You also work with mechanics to assist in mechanical work like installation and repairs.

what skills does a labourer need?

As a labourer, being physically fit helps you lift heavy objects. You require physical stamina to work on your feet daily. It is also important to be attentive to details and capable of reading technical drawings or plans.

is being a labourer hard work?

Working as a labourer is a challenging job due to the physical strength required to execute the role. You improve your skills and expertise in various tasks.

how do I apply for a labourer vacancy?

Applying for a labourer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

labourer

what is a labourer?

As a labourer, you perform manual work that requires physical strength and fitness. Your duties range from moving items in a warehouse to digging trenches on building sites. Most labourers are employed in the construction or mining and resources industries to do manual or physical work, such as laying foundations, bricklaying or plastering. You also assist tradespeople with various duties. For instance, you may help carpenters with window fitting tasks or aid plumbers with repairs and maintenance tasks. Since you work in various trades, your role may involve handling dangerous materials, like chemicals or asbestos.

Most labourer duties require you to follow instructions and perform simple tasks assigned to you by a supervisor. You are likely to operate hand tools to prepare job sites or building materials. Some roles also require operating heavy machinery. For instance, in warehouses, you move items using a forklift. That means you need skills in operating and maintaining forklifts when working as a warehouse labourer. Labourers also clean work areas and tidy job sites at the end of the workday.

Some skills necessary for the role include high-level fitness and physical strength. Since you perform manual tasks, you need physical strength and stamina to work on your feet most of the day. Attention to detail and teamwork are also important for completing your tasks meticulously.

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average labourer salary

The median salary of labourers in Australia is $60,000 per year. However, the remuneration package may fluctuate based on area of specialisation and experience. Entry-level labourers perform simple manual tasks to assist other professionals, while experienced labourers have the additional expertise required to undertake complex duties. That's why entry-level labourers start with a salary of $55,000 annually, while experienced labourers earn over $65,000 yearly.

how to increase your salary as a labourer

As a labourer, your remuneration depends on your expertise, skills and the employer. Increase your earnings by improving your educational qualifications. Industry certifications and vocational education training courses may boost your earnings. Ensure you also build your skills with internships, traineeships and entry-level jobs. When you are an expert in your duties, you can negotiate higher remuneration.

Aside from building your skills, choose employers offering higher salaries. While working for a small company is a great way to build your skills, consider seeking opportunities in large companies to improve your salary prospects. Large organisations have complex duties and more resources, so they can afford higher salaries. The industry you work in may also influence your earnings due to the complexity of your duties. For instance, a labourer in a warehouse is likely to earn less than a labourer in the construction or mining industry.

Want to know what you will earn as a labourer? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

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types of labourers

A labourer is an all-round handyman. However, there are specialisation areas in various fields. You can become a general labourer, construction labourer or warehouse labourer. As a construction labourer, you perform general manual work, including groundwork like marking and digging trenches for foundations. You also fix bars and steelwork to reinforce concrete structures. Sometimes, you move bricks, mortar and timber around the construction site.

As a warehouse labourer, you load and offload deliveries at the warehouse. You work alongside warehouse teams to ensure products are packaged and loaded onto delivery trucks on time. You also organise the warehouse to ensure products are correctly stored. General labourers work in any industry and perform manual tasks assigned to them. For instance, you can work in manufacturing companies, retail stores or production plants. You assist in the production process by cleaning and clearing work sites.

smiling male and female sitting on a bus

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working as a labourer

If you have a passion for hands-on work, embarking on a career as a laborer can be an thrilling career journey. Keep reading to gain insight into the responsibilities and diverse work settings that define this role.

labourer job description
While the duties of a labourer vary depending on the industry you work in, some of the typical tasks include:
- checking equipment: you ensure the tools are operating, electricity is available, and that machines are properly prepared for tasks. It's wise to think about your foreman's and contractor's needs ahead of time; this enables you to take steps that make everyone's work easier.
- preparing the construction site for work: as a labourer, you build scaffolding and temporary structures to enable access to the work area. You also dig trenches, compact earth and backfill holes to prepare foundations for construction work.
- assisting tradespeople: you assist construction workers and warehouse operatives with their work. For instance, you move bricks, timber, mortar, or warehouse items to the correct area. You also help with mixing mortar for bricklaying and performing simple construction work.
- operating and maintaining machinery: as a labourer, you operate construction equipment and heavy machinery at the worksite. For instance, you use forklifts to move items to the required height and operate cement mixers at construction sites. After construction, you clean the equipment and check for any repairs or replacements required.
- maintaining safety at construction sites: as a labourer, you ensure the construction site is safe for the general public and other construction workers. You move machinery and materials out of pathways to prevent accidents. You also clean the work sites and remove hazardous components.
- loading and unloading: as a labourer, you load trucks and prepare them for deliveries. You also offload trucks when they arrive at the warehouse. You may use forklifts or other machines to load and offload trucks and materials at a worksite.
work environment

As a labourer, you work in diverse industries, from construction to warehouse and mining work sites, exposing you to various work environments. However, most labourers in the construction or mining industry work outdoors. That means you are exposed to extreme weather conditions, from cold to hot. Sometimes, you work in the winter to clear ice before a construction project commences.

In some industries, like factories, you work indoors in climate-controlled environments. Since you work in hazardous areas prone to accidents, you require a hard hat and other protective equipment. The role is hands-on and involves travelling from one job site to another.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include warehouse workers, construction project managers and carpenters. You might also be working in close proximity to construction workers and cleaners, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, crane operators, delivery drivers and supervisors
work schedule

Labourers work four to six days a week, but some get weekends off, depending on the employer. Work shifts can be long, but there are breaks every couple of hours. Labourers who work for hourly wages often only work early mornings. If you are a labourer with a day-labouring agreement, you complete your entire workday before being paid.
job outlook

Building contractors always need plumbing, lighting, concrete, woodwork and other manual labourers. You can start as a general labourer at a construction site and improve your skills in other trades. For instance, you could attend training to become a machine operator, crane operator or forklift operator. Consider learning a construction trade, like bricklaying or carpentry, to enjoy better job prospects. Whichever path you choose, the varied experience gained in a labourer role will stand you in good stead.
advantages of finding a labourer job through randstad
Finding your labourer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a labourer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

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education and skills

While formal qualifications are not mandatory for labourers in Australia, having some qualifications improves your employment prospects. The first step in becoming a labourer is to choose the industry you want to work in, including manufacturing, construction or landscaping. You can find relevant TAFE courses to improve your skills in the industry. For instance, pursue a Certificate II in construction to improve your building and construction skills.

If you want to become a construction labourer, you need a White Card. Complete training with a registered training organisation (RTO) to prepare you for work safety in the construction industry. The RTO providing the training should be authorised by WorkSafe. White Card certification becomes invalid if you don’t work in construction for two years. Some industries also have safety or equipment certification requirements.

labourer skills and competencies

Apart from basic education, the following competencies are vital in the role:

physical fitness: as a labourer, you need physical fitness and enough strength to handle manual tasks. You will lift heavy weights and stand or bend for long hours. Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination are also crucial for the role.
teamwork skills: as a labourer, you work alongside a large team of construction workers, collaborating with others to accomplish your tasks on time. People skills improve your listening, which means you will be better at following instructions from supervisors.
mechanical skills: as a labourer, you need basic skills in using various machines at a construction site. Your expertise in using handheld devices and maintaining them makes your work easier. Having maintenance skills also comes in handy since you do repairs and clean the machines and tools at the end of a workday.
attention to detail: as a labourer, you follow instructions keenly to avoid mistakes. Your detail-oriented skills help you improve work quality.

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FAQs about working as a labourer

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a labourer.

what does a labourer get paid in Australia?

As a labourer, you earn an average salary of $60,000 per year. In an entry-level position, you start with a remuneration package of $55,000 annually, while experienced labourers take home over $65,000 annually. The earnings depend on the industry you work in and the qualifications.
what do you need to be a labourer?

You don’t require educational qualifications, but it helps to have some experience in using hand and power tools. To work in construction, you require a White Card, meaning you should complete the required training.
what are the duties of a skilled labourer?

As a skilled labourer, you build using bricks, prepare the foundation and perform minor electrical, plumbing or carpentry repairs. You also work with mechanics to assist in mechanical work like installation and repairs.
what skills does a labourer need?

As a labourer, being physically fit helps you lift heavy objects. You require physical stamina to work on your feet daily. It is also important to be attentive to details and capable of reading technical drawings or plans.
is being a labourer hard work?

Working as a labourer is a challenging job due to the physical strength required to execute the role. You improve your skills and expertise in various tasks.
how do I apply for a labourer vacancy?

Applying for a labourer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

labourer.