Building and Construction Industry Careers
A career in the building and construction industry offers:
- Great jobs — wide range of exciting and rewarding jobs
- Creativity — make things that stand the test of time
- Learning — the opportunity to keep learning and expand your career path
- Apprenticeships — gain real qualifications while doing real work in the industry
- Opportunities — for all, male and female
- Money — well paid career
- Job security
- Challenge and variety.
The following are building and construction industry occupations. Click on these links to see more information:
Master Builders Associations in all Australian States and Territories provide careers advice and industry training, including for apprentices. More information
Bricklayer
Bricklayers lay bricks, pre-cut stone, concrete and other types of building blocks in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures.
Bricklayers may perform the following tasks:
- work from plans and specifications
- seal foundations with damp-resistant materials
- spread layers of mortar to serve as a base and binder for bricks, remove excess mortar, and check vertical and horizontal alignment
- use various tools and brick-cutting machines to cut and shape bricks
- construct arches and ornamental brickwork
- repair and maintain clay bricks, cement blocks/bricks and related structures
- erect scaffolding (subject to licence requirements in some states).
Specialisations
Small numbers of bricklayers may specialise in refractory work, where they build and line kilns and industrial furnaces; or in the repair of brickwork damaged by salt or damp.
Bricklayers work outdoors and may have to work at heights or in tunnels and shafts. They usually work in teams. Bricklayers may have some contact with the public.
Personal Requirements
- Enjoy practical work
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Good at technical activities
- Able to follow plans
- Physically fit and healthy.
Related Jobs
- Building Contractor
- Carpenter
- Concreter
- Construction Worker
- Plasterer – Fibrous
- Plasterer – Solid
- Roofer
- Stonemason
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Building Contractor
Building contractors coordinate the construction of homes and other buildings.
Building contractors may perform the following tasks:
- examine and interpret clients' plans or arrange the drawing of plans to meet building regulations
- submit tenders (offers to do jobs at a stated price), quotes or prices for the project to clients
- arrange submission of plans to local authorities for approval and arrange inspections of building work
- organise subcontractors to carry out all stages of building and negotiate rates of pay
- calculate quantities of materials required for building projects and order these from building suppliers or advertise for tenders
- arrange delivery times of materials to coincide with various stages of the building process
- supervise the work of subcontractors to make sure buildings are of an acceptable standard and are proceeding according to schedule
- coordinate the activities of office staff involved in the preparation and payment of accounts
- talk to lawyers and financial institutions on matters relating to loans and contracts for building projects
- undertake some of the building work personally.
Personal Requirements
- good communication skills
- management and leadership skills
- good organisational skills
- good at technical activities.
Related Jobs
- Architect
- Bricklayer
- Building Surveyor
- Building Technician
- Carpenter
- Civil Engineer
- Floor Finisher and Coverer
- Painter and Decorator
- Plasterer - Fibrous
- Plasterer - Solid
- Quantity Surveyor
- Roofer
- Tiler – Wall and Floor
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Building Technician
Building technicians assist in the building of houses and commercial projects, usually undertaking supervisory roles.
Building technicians may perform the following tasks:
- provide skilled assistance to builders and construction managers by interpreting and carrying out directions for planning and organising building projects
- interpret building plans, regulations and codes of practice to direct progress of the work, making sure that specifications and regulations are followed, and proper methods and materials are used
- calculate costs and estimate completion times to prepare tenders
- arrange supplies of material and equipment
- draw up detailed programs for site works and the coordination of building workers
- record building progress and variations from the design drawings or specifications
- negotiate with subcontractors and report to builders and architects.
Specialisations
Construction Project Manager
A construction project manager responsible for coordinating the construction of large building projects such as hotels, factories, office blocks, home unit developments, schools, hospitals and large housing developments. They make and interpret plans, supervise and direct people working on the project, control costs and payments and negotiate with building owners and subcontractors.
Building technicians may also work as project planners, estimators, project administrators or as technical sales representatives. They sometimes work as building inspectors, making sure that the construction is going to plan; or as building site managers on large commercial projects. Building technicians usually work on construction sites. Some are self-employed as contractors.
Personal Requirements
- good organisational skills
- good at technical activities
- practical approach to problem solving
- able to work as part of a team.
Related Jobs
- Architectural Drafter
- Building Contractor
- Building Surveyor
- Civil and Structural Engineering Associate
- Quantity Surveyor
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Cabinetmaker
Cabinetmakers make or repair furniture using solid timber, flat-panel or timber-based products.
Cabinetmakers may perform the following tasks:
- prepare drawings from specifications or work out job requirements by looking at drawings and specifications
- select and prepare timber and manufactured board
- mark out, cut and shape pieces using saws, chisels, planes, power tools and woodworking machines
- trim and glue joints and fit parts together to form sections of furniture
- place sections in clamps, apply pressure and reinforce joints with nails, dowels and screws
- assemble sections to form completed articles
- fit hinges, locks, catches, drawers and shelves
- install completed products
- repair damaged furniture and cabinets
- make jigs, templates or prototypes for the production of furniture.
Specialisations
Cabinetmakers may specialise in particular areas such as reproduction of antique furniture, kitchen fittings, bedroom suites, office furniture, dining suites, shop fittings and occasional furniture.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical and manual activities
- able to follow written instructions
- able to work to a high level of accuracy
- able to make mathematical calculations
- good communication skills
- good hand-eye coordination
- free from allergies to dust.
Related Jobs
- Carpenter
- Furniture Polisher
- Joiner
- Picture Framer
- Upholsterer
- Wood Carver
- Wood Tradesperson
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Carpenter
Carpenters construct, erect, install, finish and repair wooden and metal structures and fixtures on residential and commercial buildings. They may also work on large concrete, steel and timber structures such as bridges, dams, power stations and civil engineering projects.
Carpenters may perform the following tasks:
- construct formwork into which concrete is poured
- set out an outline of the building on the ground of the site, using string and pegs to allow for excavations
- build floors, wall frameworks (timber or metal), roofs and suspended ceilings, and lay timber floors
- read plans and specifications to determine the dimensions, materials required and installation processes
- install metal and timber windows, sashes and doors
- construct and erect prefabricated units, such as cottages and houses
- cut materials with hand and power tools, and assemble or nail, cut and shape parts
- install door handles, locks, hardware, flooring underlay, insulating material and other fixtures
- maintain and sharpen tools.
With further training and experience, a carpenter could become a clerk of works, building supervisor, building and construction manager, building inspector, technical teacher, estimator, building contract administrator or purchasing officer.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical work
- able to work with your hands
- good sense of balance and ability to work at heights
- good at mathematics
- good health and eyesight
- able to work as part of a team.
Related Jobs
- Bricklayer
- Building Contractor
- Cabinetmaker
- Home Improvement Installer
- Joiner
- Stonemason
- Wood Tradesperson
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Concreter
Concreters place, spread, compact, finish and cure concrete for buildings, roads, tunnels, bridges and marine structures, using hand tools, vibrators, pumps, trowelling machinery and other power tools.
Concreters may perform the following tasks:
- mix cement, gravel, sand and water to make concrete on site
- move concrete into position using a concrete pump
- place concrete into the formwork (usually temporary wood or steel moulds), making sure that it is spread and levelled, then compacted using vibrators
- operate paving and trowelling machines to float, trowel and polish the concrete surface
- create different surface textures by tamping, smoothing and shaping the concrete surface with a variety of hand tools
- cut joints into hardened concrete
- mix and apply pigments when a coloured surface is required
- dig foundation trenches if working on residential or small commercial projects.
Specialisations
Concreters may specialise as concrete finishers or concrete slab layers. There are large differences in the work done by concreters working on high-rise buildings and those working on smaller residential and commercial buildings.
For most jobs, concrete is mixed at a pre-mix concrete supplier's factory and delivered to the site in a pre-mix concrete truck.
Concreters usually work outside on construction sites which may be dusty and noisy. Much of their time is spent standing or kneeling and they may also have to work at heights or underground in tunnels. Concreters may travel from job to job and usually begin work very early in the morning.
There is a growing industry in pre-cast concrete where concrete elements are cast and cured in factories and then transported to the site for use.
Personal Requirements
- physically fit
- able to lift heavy objects
- enjoy practical work
- enjoy outdoor work.
Related Jobs
- Bricklayer
- Construction Worker
- Road Worker
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Joiner
Joiners cut, shape and fit timber parts in workshops to form structures and fixtures, ready for installation.
Joiners may perform the following tasks:
- work out job requirements from drawings, templates and written instructions
- set up jigs, select timber, and cut to size and shape using templates
- cut joints using wood-cutting machines or hand-powered tools
- assemble prepared wood to form structures and fittings
- work with plastic laminates, perspex or metals
- maintain and sharpen tools.
With experience and sometimes further training, it is possible to become a technical teacher, estimator or purchasing officer.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical and manual work
- enjoy working with wood
- good hand-eye coordination
- good sense of balance
- some mathematics ability
- good health and eyesight
- able to work as part of a team.
Related Jobs
- Cabinetmaker
- Carpenter
- Wood Carver
- Wood Tradesperson
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Painter and Decorator
Painters and decorators apply paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to protect, maintain and decorate interior and exterior surfaces of domestic, commercial and industrial buildings and other structures.
Painters and decorators may perform the following tasks:
- work out the quantity of materials needed for the job by taking surface measurements or by looking at job specifications or drawings
- erect scaffolding, cradles and ladders and place dropsheets to protect areas from dripping paint
- remove old paint or paper using sanders, scrapers, blowtorches, liquid paint removers and steam strippers as appropriate
- prepare surfaces by fixing woodwork, filling or sealing holes, cracks and joints, and washing them down to remove dust and grease
- select and prepare paints to match colours by the addition of tints
- brush, roll or spray paints, stains, varnishes and other finishes
- when wallpapering, set out the area according to the pattern match and starting point in the room, cut the paper to the appropriate length, apply paste to the back of each strip and hang the paper on the wall, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles
- spray paint surfaces using a spray gun or specialised equipment
- apply decorative paint finishes such as stencils, colour glaze, graining, marbling and lettering
- wash equipment and clean work areas.
Painters and decorators may concentrate on a specific area of work, such as the internal or external painting of domestic homes, commercial buildings or industrial structures and equipment.
They often work from ladders and scaffolding and do a lot of bending and stretching.
Personal Requirements
- physically fit
- able to work at heights
- enjoy practical work
- good hand-eye coordination
- normal colour vision
- good sense of balance
- able to work independently or as part of a team.
Related Jobs
- Building Contractor
- Floor Finisher and Coverer
- Industrial Spray Painter
- Plasterer - Fibrous
- Visual en Printer/Stencil Preparer
- Sign Merchandiser
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Plasterer - Fibrous
Fibrous plasterers make, apply and fix the internal linings of commercial and domestic buildings.
Fibrous plasterers may perform the following tasks:
- measure room walls, work out plasterboard layout and install insulation and moisture barriers
- measure and mark cutting lines on plasterboard
- cut plasterboard, lift and position panels, and nail, screw or glue them to walls, ceilings or wooden strips called battens
- prepare corner beading panel mouldings, ceiling centres and other plaster fittings
- cover joins and nail holes with wet plaster or sealing compounds and smooth them using wet brushes and sand paper
- install fire-rated wall barriers
- spray fibrous materials over surfaces to be covered
- install acoustic walls and treatments
- make fibrous plaster moulds in factories.
Specialisations
Fixer (Plaster)
A plaster fixer installs plasterboard sheets and cornices in buildings.
Modellers Hand (Plaster)
A modellers hand makes plaster moulds.
Sheet Hand (Plaster)
A sheet hand makes fibrous enrichments.
Fibrous plasterers usually work in dusty conditions. They may have contact with the public.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical work
- good hand-eye coordination
- able to work at heights
- able to work neatly and accurately
- able to read and interpret plans.
Related Jobs
- Bricklayer
- Building Contractor
- Floor Finisher and Coverer
- Painter and Decorator
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Plasterer - Solid
Solid plasterers apply decorative and protective coverings of plaster, cement or similar materials to the interiors and exteriors of buildings.
Solid plasterers may perform the following tasks:
- level and straighten corners, angles, and wall and ceiling surfaces
- clean and prepare surfaces by stapling wire-mesh frames to them, or by roughening them with mechanical hammers
- mix and apply coats of plaster, cement, render or similar materials to walls and ceilings, levelling and smoothing them by using trowels
- apply finishing coats of plaster to give a smooth finish or decorative texture
- fix precast cornices and panel mouldings, ceiling centres and other plaster fittings
- render exterior walls and moulds
- finish underside of concrete floors with a mixture of cement and granite chips or blue metal
- erect scaffolding (subject to licence requirements in some states or territories) and trestles.
Solid plasterers work alone or in teams of two or three, indoors and outdoors.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical work
- good hand-eye coordination
- able to learn to work from plans
- willing to work at heights on scaffolding or ladders
- good health and stamina, and free from allergies to materials used.
Related Jobs
- Bricklayer
- Building Contractor
- Floor Finisher and Coverer
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Roofer
Roofers cover houses and other structures with roof tiles, slates, shingles or steel sheeting to form waterproof surfaces.
Roofers may perform the following tasks:
- look at drawings, specifications and work sites to determine materials required
- assess risks
- erect ladders and tile elevators
- erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
- place roofing underlays over eaves and secure by nailing or stapling to roofs
- correctly space and nail wooden strips called battens across the roof rafters on which the tiles or other roofing material will be placed
- lay aluminium, steel or clay tiles, stone slates, wooden shingles or steel sheeting
- install metal gutters, downpipes and other rainwater products
- overlap successive layers of tiles and measure and cut roofing material to fit around vents, chimney edges, and the hips and valleys of the roof
- fix roof flashings (weatherproof covering)
- fix the ridge caps and gable ends with cement mortar or tech screws
- handle waterproofing materials, tools and equipment
- apply protective paint coating systems
- clear the roof of debris when the job is finished.
Specialisations
Roofers may specialise in tiling or installing new roofs, repairing existing roofs or removing old roofs and replacing them.
Roofers' work involves a lot of bending, climbing and lifting. They work outdoors, at heights, in all weather conditions.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical and manual work
- good sense of balance
- good hand-eye coordination
- willing to work at heights and outdoors.
Related Jobs
- Bricklayer
- Building Contractor
- Floor Finisher and Coverer
- Plumber
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Shopfitter
Shopfitters undertake the finishing work on commercial premises. Shopfitters perform the following tasks:
- create the finishing touches on the inside and outside of structures with your hands from timber and other materials
- erect floor and wall framework
- erect suspended ceilings and lay timber floors
- construct and erect prefabricated units
- cut materials with hand and power tools, and assemble or nail, cut and shape parts
- install shopfronts including: window frames, sashes doors, architectural joinery and staircases.
Personal requirements
- Be able to work with your hands.
- Enjoy working in a team.
- Ability to read plans
- Good neat manual dexterity
Related jobs
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Steel Fixer
Steel fixers position and secure steel bars or steel mesh to reinforce concrete structures.
Steel fixers may perform the following tasks:
- read and interpret working plans and steel lists for the job
- set out the work from these instructions
- make steel bars or mesh the required length by cutting them with bolt cutters, guillotines or power saws
- assemble the reinforcing bars or mesh by welding, wiring or clipping into predetermined locations within the concrete
- fabricate steel reinforcement as beams, footing pads or special units
- join the prefabricated units together for large sections of high rise or civil projects, and position the reinforcement ready for concrete pours.
Steel fixers are mainly employed in the industrial/commercial sectors of the building industry on construction sites. They may also work in pre-cast concrete plants, as well as in areas of pre-stressing, post-stressing and tensioning, using hydraulic jacks and tensioning mechanisms.
Personal Requirements
- physically fit
- enjoy practical work
- able to work at heights
- able to work as part of a team.
Related Jobs
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Stonemason
Stonemasons cut and shape hard and soft stone blocks and masonry slabs for the construction and renovation of stone structures and monumental masonry (stonework for cemeteries).
Stonemasons may perform the following tasks:
- cut and shape stone using machine or hand tools, taking into account the characteristics of the stone being used
- cut and polish granite and marble for use in construction, such as for kitchen bench tops and bathroom vanity units
- design, cut and carve monumental masonry, such as memorial tablets and bases for statues, using templates for detailed work and a variety of chisels, punches and hammers, depending on the type of stone being used
- cut lettering into stonework by marking out the letters and then cutting or chiselling them with hand-held tools or sandblasting equipment
- construct walls using stone slabs and large masonry slab blocks
- lay stone paving
- lay granite or marble floor tiles
- fix stone facades to buildings
- repair and replace stonework on old buildings, churches and monuments.
Stonemasons often work in a noisy environment.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical work
- physically fit
- able to work at heights
- able to work with your hands
- self-motivation
- aptitude for technical drawing and working with computers is an advantage.
Related Jobs
- Bricklayer
- Carpenter
- Tiler - Wall and Floor
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Tiler - Wall and Floor
Wall and floor tilers lay ceramic, clay, slate, marble, glass and other types of tiles on external and internal walls and floors to provide protective and decorative finishes.
Wall and floor tilers may perform the following tasks:
- look at plans, measure and mark surfaces to be covered and lay out work
- prepare wall and floor surfaces by removing old tiles, grout, cement and adhesive
- fill all holes and cracks, then clean surfaces
- attach tiles to surfaces, using correct adhesive, making sure that patterned tiles match
- use tile-cutting tools to cut and shape tiles needed for edges, corners, or around obstacles such as fittings and pipes
- space and even the tiles by using tools such as spirit levels, squares and plumb-lines
- prepare and apply grout, remove excess grout, clean and polish tiles
- lay floors of cement, granolithic, terrazzo or similar composition
- apply waterproofing systems.
Wall and floor tilers sometimes work in confined areas where bending and kneeling are required. They lift and carry cement and stacks of tiles. They sometimes work at heights using ladders or scaffolding. Most tilers work in small teams and move frequently from one job location to another.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical and manual work
- able to work at heights
- good hand-eye coordination
- able to make simple calculations
- able to work independently
- able to work neatly and accurately.
Related Jobs
- Building Contractor
- Floor Finisher and Coverer
- Stonemason
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The details about the above occupations are provided with permission from the Job Guide, an Australian Government publication.
More information
Master Builders Associations in all Australian States and Territories provide careers advice and industry training, including for apprentices.
Click on the following links for more information:
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