overview

Construction is the third-largest employer in Australia, accounting for around one in ten jobs. It’s also one of the fastest-growing sectors in terms of employment demand, with many more vacancies than qualified candidates. According to Master Builders Australia, some 300,000 new and skilled workers will be needed over the next five years. This makes construction not only a good sector to be in if you’re qualified, but also a good one to get into through apprenticeships, graduate training and other entry routes. 

The openings on offer include a range of professional roles in areas such as contract administration, site management and construction project management. The latter is notable in being consistently one of the most in-demand roles within the economy as a whole, with pay to match.

The construction industry has seen growth over the past year, from 2021- 2022 there has been a 3.5% increase in employed people across this sector. Several initiatives have contributed to this increase including the Government’s investment in rail and road infrastructure, as well as various home building initiatives. A cut in approval times for infrastructure projects will see the sector prosper.

Construction is Australia’s most male-dominated industry - But this is changing. 2022 trends in participation rates remained at 71.2% for men and remained at 62.3% for women with this likely to increase for 2024.

key facts

  • employment

    This is a large sector employing over 1 million people.

  • education and training

    Formal qualifications from Vocational Education and Training (VET) to university degrees in relevant topics.

  • impact of new technologies

    Computer-aided design and use of digital tools in construction planning and project management.

  • impact of net zero

    Move to reduce emissions in construction and finished buildings Home | Green Building Council of Australia (gbca.org.au).

in-demand skills & qualifications for project engineer

  • tasks and duties

    • Manages and works with subcontractors and service providers to deliver the works
    • Supports subsequent construction activities
    • Ensures the timely and effective delivery of a project.

  • training and qualifications

    • Degree course in civil engineering. Candidates should check with universities to see what specific exam subjects and grades they require for entry A number of bodies offer certification.
    • Masters and postgraduate qualifications may be needed for more advanced and/or specialist roles. More broadly, communication and project management skills are useful.

in-demand skills & qualifications for site supervisor/foreman

  • tasks and duties

    • Coordinate subcontractor and material standards
    • Ensure construction meets with current plans, variations and addenda for the project
    • Provide technical support to office staff and suppliers and communicate with clients

     

  • training and qualifications

    To be a building site supervisor, you usually need to have a general construction induction card (‘white card’), have completed an apprenticeship in a trades area and be working towards or have obtained a formal qualification in building or construction management.

in-demand skills & qualifications for estimator

  • task and duties

    • Calculate the cost and time estimates for the building project
    • Check subcontractor quotations
    • Submit tenders and may manage the construction costs
    • Develop labour and material schedules
    • Administer contracts associated with the project

  • training and qualifications

    You usually need a formal qualification to work as an estimator in building and construction, along with a general construction induction card (‘white card’).

  • further opportunities and pathways

    As an estimator, you can sub-contract for several companies at a time or be employed by small and large construction companies. With further study and training your career could lead you to complete a degree at university to become a construction manager or estimating manager.

    Career switch:

    • The specific skills of cost estimators in different industries are transferable to the construction sector. Also, those with a background in data analysis and product management may have the skills needed to become an estimator.

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in-demand skills & qualifications for contract administrator

  • tasks and duties

    • Assist clients with understanding building contracts
    • Keep track of and review all documentation
    • Ensure all parties adhere to the agreed requirements in the contract and report on progress
    • Maintain relationships with stakeholders and manage any conflicts regarding the contract

  • training and qualifications

    There are a variety of routes into contract administration rather than a formal technical qualification. However, you will need to build up an extensive knowledge of legal obligations and contract arrangements within construction.

    It is important to have:

    • excellent communication skills
    • a close eye for detail and
    • the ability to work in a team.

    Would offer potential openings for people who have worked in similar roles in other sectors.

in-demand skills & qualifications for project manager

  • tasks and duties

    You’ll usually move from one project to the next, working on a particular building or structure until it’s finished, spending plenty of time on site.

    • Liaising with architects and engineers is a daily part of the job
    • Negotiating with and ensuring a good deal from outside contractors is equally important
    • Plan a project from start to finish
    • Oversee the day to day running
    • Report on progress
    • Develop contacts with senior staff for each project
    • Ensure health and safety standards are met.

    The job is varied but can involve long hours, particularly as deadlines loom or a project nears completion.

     

  • training and qualifications

    Education:

    • The role is a multi-faceted one and you will need a degree in a related area, such as civil engineering, building science, construction management, or construction science. Equally important though is your construction industry experience – this isn’t an entry-level role.

    Experience:

    • You’ll need to have several years’ experience working in the industry, a strong understanding of project management, construction procedures and principles, and relevant knowledge of health and safety laws.
    • It is sometimes possible to enter via an apprenticeship and work your way up as you gain experience, but most people follow the degree route.

    Skills:

    • Excellent time management and planning skills
    • Financial planning and budgeting skills
    • Communication skills

    You’ll be smoothing the way between site workers, architects, stakeholders, council planners, architects and engineers. That’s a lot of interested parties to juggle, so your diplomacy skills need to be on point too.

     

     

  • career switch

    • Recruiters with a background in HR see project management as a natural progression.
    • Project managers from other sectors (IT, manufacturing or with a background in the supply chain are also in-demand for roles in construction.

in-demand skills & qualifications for civil engineering technician

  • tasks and duties

    • Provide support to engineers in a variety of fields such as structural engineering, environmental engineering, and transportation.

    Specific tasks include:

    • Drafting
    • Drawing up plans
    • Preparing reports and other support tasks

  • training and qualifications

    You usually need a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification in civil engineering or another relevant field to work as a civil engineering technician. Some workers have university qualifications.