One Industry · No Limits

Introduction

Overview

The building and construction industry employed close to 120 000 people (including more than 8 000 apprentices) to work on over billions of dollars worth of residential and commercial projects in WA during 2008-09.

Not only is it one of the largest employers in WA, the building and construction industry also has over 130 different occupations in which to begin and develop a sustainable and rewarding career.

The industry has a very strong culture of supporting ongoing learning and skill development. Over $24m of the industry’s own funds were invested in training its workforce in 2008-09, through the Construction Training Fund. It also includes a variety of support organisations and associations – each devoted to developing the opportunities of people in a particular field of the industry.

Career development

A career is something that develops over time, through a combination of appropriate qualifications, skills, experience and opportunities. The building and construction industry can provide excellent opportunities upon which to build a successful and rewarding career.

There is a broad range of entry level qualifications appropriate to employment in the building and construction industry, from nationally accredited Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate II traineeships through to undergraduate degrees.

Apprenticeship training is the most popular entry level into the building and construction industry, and successful completion of this AQF Certificate III qualification means that the graduate can start their career as a tradesperson.

Whilst apprenticeship training can bring short term rewards (such as being a wage earner when learning), the long term benefits of a trade qualification in the building and construction industry include higher than average remuneration, portable and desirable skill sets, the prospect of a great work-life balance and the potential to develop a rewarding and satisfying career.

A tradesperson can tailor a career path to suit his or her individual goals. Tradespeople can operate their own businesses and become employers. Accessing further training can see tradespeople qualify as registered builders, schedulers, estimators, supervisors, managers….there’s no limits to the variety and opportunity available.

In mid 2008, a series of new AQF Certificate IV traineeships were introduced as entry level qualifications to assist in para-professional career pathways for the industry. These qualifications include Estimating (Housing), Site Management and Civil Construction Supervisor.

Making choices

Choosing entry level qualifications for career pathways can be straightforward if a young person knows what they like doing, where their talents lay and what rewards them.

School based programs such as Workplace Learning, School Apprenticeship Link (SAL) or School Based Apprenticeships (SBA) can assist with making career choices by offering students valuable work experience opportunities and/or AQF Certificate qualifications in building and construction. Contact your child’s school to find out if these programs are available.

Pre-Apprenticeship courses available through TAFEWA and other registered training providers not only engage young people in accredited, AQF Certificate based programs but can provide a pathway to employment as an apprentice. Students who successfully complete a Pre-Apprenticeship course in a recognised building and construction trade are also eligible to apply for a $250 scholarship from the Construction Training Fund.

Employment options

Even with over 130 different occupations related to building and construction, school leavers most often enter the industry as apprentices. However, students seeking other qualifications related to building and construction can undertake courses offered by TAFEWA or at university.

Read more about how to access apprenticeship training in the building and construction industry here or contact the Construction Training Fund on 1300 727 494

	Introduction Overview The building and construction industry employed close to 120 000 people (including more than 8 000 apprentices) to work on over billions of dollars worth of residential and commercial projects in WA during 2008-09. Not only is it one of the largest employers in WA, the building and construction industry also has over 130 different occupations in which to begin and develop a sustainable and rewarding career. The industry has a very strong culture of supporting ongoing learning and skill development. Over $24m of the industry’s own funds were invested in training its workforce in 2008-09, through the Construction Training Fund. It also includes a variety of support organisations and associations – each devoted to developing the opportunities of people in a particular field of the industry. Career development A career is something that develops over time, through a combination of appropriate qualifications, skills, experience and opportunities. The building and construction industry can provide excellent opportunities upon which to build a successful and rewarding career. There is a broad range of entry level qualifications appropriate to employment in the building and construction industry, from nationally accredited Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate II traineeships through to undergraduate degrees. Apprenticeship training is the most popular entry level into the building and construction industry, and successful completion of this AQF Certificate III qualification means that the graduate can start their career as a tradesperson. Whilst apprenticeship training can bring short term rewards (such as being a wage earner when learning), the long term benefits of a trade qualification in the building and construction industry include higher than average remuneration, portable and desirable skill sets, the prospect of a great work-life balance and the potential to develop a rewarding and satisfying career. A tradesperson can tailor a career path to suit his or her individual goals. Tradespeople can operate their own businesses and become employers. Accessing further training can see tradespeople qualify as registered builders, schedulers, estimators, supervisors, managers….there’s no limits to the variety and opportunity available. In mid 2008, a series of new AQF Certificate IV traineeships were introduced as entry level qualifications to assist in para-professional career pathways for the industry. These qualifications include Estimating (Housing), Site Management and Civil Construction Supervisor. Making choices Choosing entry level qualifications for career pathways can be straightforward if a young person knows what they like doing, where their talents lay and what rewards them. School based programs such as Workplace Learning, School Apprenticeship Link (SAL) or School Based Apprenticeships (SBA) can assist with making career choices by offering students valuable work experience opportunities and/or AQF Certificate qualifications in building and construction. Contact your child’s school to find out if these programs are available. Pre-Apprenticeship courses available through TAFEWA and other registered training providers not only engage young people in accredited, AQF Certificate based programs but can provide a pathway to employment as an apprentice. Students who successfully complete a Pre-Apprenticeship course in a recognised building and construction trade are also eligible to apply for a $250 scholarship from the Construction Training Fund. Employment options Even with over 130 different occupations related to building and construction, school leavers most often enter the industry as apprentices. However, students seeking other qualifications related to building and construction can undertake courses offered by TAFEWA or at university. Read more about how to access apprenticeship training in the building and construction industry here or contact the Construction Training Fund on 1300 727 494