Jobs in Building and Construction Services

Taken together, construction and mining make up Australia’s largest industry cluster, and they play a key role in the country’s future wealth and prosperity. Emerging technologies such as building information modelling (BIM) and automation are changing the way people work, and Australia’s construction needs a ‘future fit’ workforce to keep pace. This is a huge industry, with amazing career choices available to you. This week we focus on the Building and Construction side of things.

Construction Project Manager

Construction Project Managers are Project Managers who specialise in the planning, management and execution of construction projects. They have strong communication, organisational and budgeting skills, and lead projects in their various stages from conception through to completion. They manage factors like integration, scope, timelines, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement for each project. Construction Project Managers specialise in managing key activities involved in construction projects, including booking surveyors and technical personnel, hiring equipment, ordering materials and checking plans, as well managing operational plans, people and budgets.

Courses you can take

Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)

Salary

The average construction project manager salary in Australia is $120,000 per year or $61.54 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $98,982 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $180,000 per year.

Tasks and duties:

• Consulting with Architects, Engineering Professionals and other professionals.
• Coordinating labour resources, and procurement and delivery of construction materials and equipment.
• Managing project progress and adapting work as required.
• Overseeing all incoming and outgoing project documentation.
• Drafting, submitting and reviewing project tenders.
• Designing risk mitigation plans.
• Conducting project reviews and collating detailed reports for clients and stakeholders.
• Interpreting architectural drawings and specifications.
• Negotiating with building owners, property developers and subcontractors involved in the construction process to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Ensuring adherence to building legislation and standards of performance, quality, cost and safety.
• Arranging building inspections with local authorities.

Building Estimators

Building Estimators prepare and deliver estimates for the cost of materials, labour and equipment needed to complete a construction or building project.

Estimation is an essential part of the planning and tender process, and Building Estimators will often work with other professionals to make sure projects are completed on time and on budget. They may work on residential, commercial or government projects, and may be required to visit clients, members of construction teams and construction sites.

Courses you can take

Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

Salary

The average construction estimator salary in Australia is $100,000 per year or $51.28 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $85,625 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $133,500 per year.

Tasks and duties:

• Work with construction managers, architects and surveyors to plan and develop a budget for building projects.
• Use software to calculate the cost and time estimates for a project, check subcontractor quotes and submit tenders.
• Interpret plans, regulations and relevant codes of practice.

Air Conditioning Technician

Air Conditioning Technicians install and service air conditioning units in private residences and commercial buildings. They select components, follow plans and perform installations, and find and repair faults. They work with refrigerants and other chemicals and use a variety of trade skills to assemble air conditioning units. They can work for air conditioning and refrigeration companies or be self-employed.

Courses you can take

Diploma of Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering

Salary

The average air conditioning technician salary in Australia is $79,950 per year or $41 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $70,375 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $88,973 per year.

Tasks and duties:

• Installing, maintaining and repairing air conditioning units and components such as motors, compressors, condensers, pipes, gauges and switches.
• Diagnosing faults and recording malfunctions and actions taken.
• Drilling holes and mounting brackets for installations.
• Cutting, threading and bending piping to specifications.
• Using fluids or gases to check air conditioning systems for leaks.
• Working to plans, drawings and specifications to determine job requirements.
• Testing and adjusting systems to achieve optimal performance.
• Welding, soldering, brazing or bolting pipes to connect equipment.
• Following workplace health and safety procedures.

Electrician

Electricians work with electrical systems and networks in domestic, commercial and industrial settings. Electricians are skilled in performing a range of services safely, including: installing and electrical switchboards, cables and wiring, and diagnosing and repairing electrical malfunctions. They may also perform maintenance on existing electrical systems. The day-to-day tasks of electricians vary depending on their chosen specialisation.

Courses you can take

Diploma of Electrical Engineering

Salary

The average electrician salary in Australia is $82,875 per year or $42.50 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $71,753 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $123,728 per year.

Tasks and duties:

• Maintaining and repairing electrical appliances.
• Installing and testing electrical systems and their components.
• Removing potential electrical hazards.

Builder

Builders oversee, coordinate and work on the construction, repair and renovation of homes and other buildings. They may also manage entire projects. Builders must comply with strict safety regulations, including using and wearing protective equipment and ensuring the construction site is safe.

Courses you can take

Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

Salaries

The average builder salary in Australia is $95,000 per year or $48.72 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $70,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $157,250 per year.

Tasks and duties:

• Interpreting or organising plans that meet building code regulations and client specifications.
• Providing quotes for clients and submitting plans to local authorities.
• Organising contractors including carpenters, electricians and plumbers, as well as undertaking some building work personally.

Plumber

Plumbers are specialist tradespeople who install and repair water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems. They often specialise; for example, they may work on large-scale construction projects or focus more of smaller domestic projects. Plumbers often work closely with other tradespeople and project management teams.

Courses you can take

Certificate III in Plumbing

Salary

The average plumber salary in Australia is $74,100 per year or $38 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $64,167 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $90,608 per year.

Tasks and duties:

• Studying blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials required.
• Installing hot and cold water systems and associated equipment.
• Installing gas appliances, flues and pressure regulating devices.

Carpenter and Joiner

Courses you can take

Certificate III in Carpentry

Joiner

Joiners are specialist carpenters who work on a variety of woodwork projects ranging from building furniture and cabinetry through to interior fittings such as windows, doorframes and staircases.

Salary

The average joiner salary in Australia is $68,245 per year or $35 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $57,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $84,825 per year.

Tasks and duties:

• Interpreting architectural drawings and planning materials to be used.
• Cutting and constructing materials.
• Erecting structures.
• Repairing existing fittings.
• Consulting with project managers and clients.

Carpenter

Carpenters construct, build, install, repair and erect wooden frames, foundations, walls and fixtures on residential, commercial and industrial projects. Usually Carpenters work with wood, plywood and wallboard. Each day as a Carpenter may vary depending on the specific project you’re working on. There are lots of opportunities for carpenters – you may work as a shopfitter, framework carpenter, formwork carpenter, or green carpentry, which uses materials to make buildings more energy efficient and sustainable.

Salary

The average carpenter salary in Australia is $74,100 per year or $38 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $63,375 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $90,000 per year.

Tasks and duties:

• Studying building plans and drawings to work out the materials required and how best to install features.
• Preparing, treating, cutting and shaping timber elements to be used for structures or fittings.
• Erecting building framework, roofs and floors, fitting exteriors, doors and window frames.

Building Surveyor

Building Surveyors are responsible for ensuring that buildings are constructed safely and are suitable to be occupied. To do this, Building Surveyors consider, consult, advise and enforce legislative requirements.

Building Surveyors may work in public or private roles, including local government, large corporations or may be self-employed.

It is vital for Building Surveyors to have a detailed understanding of statutory requirements and regulations of the state/territory they are working in, in addition to the National Construction Code and associated Australian Standards.

Courses you can take

Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying

Salary

The average building surveyor salary in Australia is $97,355 per year or $49.93 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $83,054 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $119,473 per year.

Tasks and duties:

• Assessing, approving and reviewing building works on existing and new buildings.
• Conducting onsite inspections during the building process, ensuring the construction meets compliance, is structurally sound, energy efficient, accessible and able to be safely occupied.
• Conducting pre-purchase inspections of buildings, audit for accessibility, and document and report on breaches and altered plans.

Building Designer

Responsible for creative, efficient design of buildings for clients, the role of a Building Designer covers a wide range of activities.

Building Designers often specialise in a particular type of design, ranging from houses to shopping centres to churches and schools, and even heritage building restoration.

Building Designers spend a lot of time on building sites, but work primarily from their office. Overtime can be required to meet project timelines.

Courses you can take

Diploma of Building Design

Salary

The average building designer salary in Australia is $100,000 per year or $51.28 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $83,211 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $181,250 per year.

Tasks and duties:

• Meeting with clients to take and understand the brief in detail.
• Designing and interpreting plans.
• Undertaking feasibility studies.
• Researching and analysing council codes, codes of practice and industry regulations.
• Coordinating submissions to council.
• Drawing up contracts and ensuring terms are adhered to.
• Building site supervision.
• Liaising with clients to discuss progress, impediments and project milestones.
• Project managing suppliers, contractors and resources.

Other career opportunities that are available. With these a certificate will suffice.

Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic

Bricklayer and Stonemason

Cabinetmaker

Fibrous Plasterer

Glazier

Painting Trade Worker

Roof Tiler

Solid Plasterer

Wall and Floor Tiler

Electronic Instrument Trades Worker