The construction industry is a cornerstone of today's world, and opportunities to build a career or business in building and construction will always be strong. Construction is not just about building buildings, but also landscaping, and developing roads and services such as water pipelines and other services. It also involves maintenance, repair and redevelopment of existing properties.
When it does, it will need more workers. An undersupply of skilled workers, and a decline in training new tradesmen has been building for a decade or two.

With less capable people available to do construction work, the demand for capable trades people is higher than ever. To improve that situation will require not only an increase in quantity of training, but also quality of training. That situation does not change easily, or fast.

• There is a lack of skilled workers
• Even if more people start apprenticeships - who trains them? There just aren't enough quality tradesmen available to provide quality training to new apprentices
• The quality of traditional apprentice training is questionable -the only way to upskill more people faster is to learn more trade skills some other way
• Alternative learning (eg. our online courses), provide a better and faster way for more people to learn construction skills better and faster.
  
  

State of the Industry

In Australia, the construction industry remains a large employer.

• About 1.1 million people are employed in the sector.
• That means some 9 percent of the workforce work in construction.
• Of these, carpentry and joinery employ the most at about 110,000.
• Gardeners employed in construction make up the smallest number with 30,000 workers.
  
  

Construction Pay

Remuneration in construction is very good.

• Australia’s construction industry workers are amongst the best paid in the world.
• Those who work in the commercial sector of construction are the highest earners.
• Construction workers in the eastern states earn the most. 
• Average salaries are better than most other industries.   
  
  

Recent Difficulties

Australia, along with most other developed countries, has faced challenges in the construction industry in recent times.
These challenges are driven in part by the covid pandemic. 
Construction has faced headwinds for several reasons:

• Building supplies have been disrupted by border closures, covid lockdowns, and shipping delays.   
• Costs of materials have escalated due to inflation and cost of living pressures.
• War in Ukraine has exacerbated supply chain issues and materials costs.  
• There has been a shortage of skilled workers due to restricted migration.  

Some building and construction businesses have been further stretched because of government stimulus that increased demand for new builds and home renovations. 
In some instances, builders signed off on fixed contracts and were unable to pass on increased costs to their customers.
Unfortunately, this has resulted in some businesses filing for bankruptcy. 
However, whilst there may be a backlog for a short time, it is anticipated that many new jobs will be created over the coming years.
The industry is also set to receive financial support from the federal government to help it play a significant role in rebuilding the economy as the country emerges post-pandemic.   

Women in Construction

If you are a woman with an interest in construction, now is an ideal time to consider changing career paths. 
Women in construction account for less than 15 percent of workers in Australia in 2022, but:

• The industry is hoping to attract more women to boost figures to 25 percent over the next decade.
• Some of this increase will be achieved through boosting trainee quotas.
• There is also a growing awareness within the industry of the need to attract and retain more women.  
  
  

Types of Construction Jobs

The main construction jobs include:

• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Painters
  Tilers
• Bricklayers
• Stone masons
• Concreters
• Welders
• Landscapers
• Earthmovers 

Other careers related to these construction trades include:

• Construction managers
• Project managers
• Surveyors (land, quantity, building)
• Architects (building, landscape)
• Town planners
• Engineers (civil, structural)
• Teacher
• Writers, broadcasters
  Beside the specific trades and job roles there are also opportunities for people who are less skilled. Sometimes extra help is needed to complete jobs on time, sometimes full-time positions are offered. Positions might include:
• Labourer
• Handyperson
  
  

How People are Employed in Construction

Working in construction can be a different experience for different people.
Consider carpenters and joiners who make up the largest group of construction workers.

Some people in this profession are business owners. They directly employ workers and put in tenders for work. To get to this point, most business owners would have gained experience working in carpentry before establishing a business.   
Other people may work as carpenters on building sites. Here they might work full-time for one large building company, or they might work as a self-employed subcontractor. Here, they may take on work for different builders as and when the work arises. 

The types of work can include setting out and installing building frames and stud walls, installing roof rafters, wooden flooring, doors, windows, and architraves.  
Some people in carpentry specialise. For example, cabinet making can provide sufficient work either as a self-employed contractor or as a small business. People who work in cabinet making might build or install fitted kitchen units, fitted wardrobes, and bathroom and laundry units. They could also specialise in free-standing cabinets. 

Another related field is furniture making. Furniture can include making cabinets, but it also includes items such as wooden tables, chairs, beds, and shelving.      
Some cabinet makers or carpenters might work in manufacturing warehouses setting out parts for construction sites or designing and constructing different types of wooden units. 
Many carpenters are self-employed workers doing subcontracted work or running small businesses. 
Other branches of construction offer a similar variety of employment opportunities.  

Getting Involved in Construction

Construction is an exciting field because there are so many different types of jobs.

• Some roles, like architecture and engineering, require university degrees.
• Trades roles might require an apprenticeship. 

However, there are also many other ways to get involved.
Those who wish to get a taste for construction before committing to long-term training or apprenticeships might consider:

• Part-time labouring work.
• Volunteer work.
• Formal study.
  
  

Why Study?

Study is an ideal way to get a foot in the door. There are many distance learning courses in construction many distance learning courses in construction and engineering which can be a great starting point. 
Whether it is carpentry or brickwork, or a specialised field like cabinet making, furniture making, or mud brick construction, there is nothing quite like learning and being tested on that knowledge to really get a feel for something.    
But learning isn’t just for those new to construction. Learning is also a great way of upskilling for those who already work in the industry. 
It can also provide confidence to people who wish to undertake some home renovations.

Contact Us

If you think you might like to be a part of the new building revolution - see our courses - click here.

OR - why not contact us so we can help you find a course that could help you begin your journey.