How to become a Construction Worker

Construction workers assist on building and construction sites by doing a range of manual labouring jobs. Construction workers may help erect rigging or structural frameworks to allow construction to occur safely and efficiently.

Personal requirements for a Construction Worker

Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Enjoy practical and outdoor work
Able to work as part of a team
Able to work at a constant pace
Able to read and understand safety instructions
Able to follow precise directions
Effective communication skills

Education & Training for a Construction Worker

You can work as a construction worker without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. You can also become a construction worker through an apprenticeship or traineeship. Some workers acquire a VET course in construction before commencing work. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional information

When working at heights, industry standards require construction workers to complete a Work Safely at Heights short course provided by a Registered Training Organisation. All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC).

Duties & Tasks of a Construction Worker

Construction workers:

Unload, carry and stack building materials and place tools and equipment in position
Dig trenches using hand tools or jackhammers to break up rock and concrete, so that footings and services can be laid
Place and compact filling and quarry materials
Help to erect and dismantle scaffolding (subject to certification in some states and territories), ramps, catwalks, barricades and warning lights
Mix, pour and spread concrete under supervision
Use wheelbarrows to remove rubble and rubbish from building sites
Dismantle small structures and strip materials in preparation for new construction
Operate construction machinery (such as excavators), subject to any licensing and accreditation requirements
Clean surfaces for painters.

Tasks

Spreading and levelling soil, gravel and sand on roads and driveways, trench bottoms and similar locations
Cleaning and carrying out minor repairs on stormwater drains and canals, and checking for cracks and leaks in sewerage systems
Digging holes and shovelling excavated material onto conveyors, wheelbarrows and trucks for removal
Assisting with assembling and installing piping, valves and fittings
Mixing, pouring and spreading materials such as concrete, plaster and mortar
Erecting and dismantling temporary structures such as barricades and scaffolding
Loading and unloading building and construction materials, tools and equipment and transporting them around building sites
Assisting with installing fixtures such as toilets, wash basins and sprinkler systems

Working conditions for a Construction Worker

Construction workers mostly work outdoors.

Employment Opportunities for a Construction Worker

Construction workers work for large construction firms and smaller building subcontractors. Many gain employment through labour hire companies. They work on the construction of a range of buildings, including residential houses, apartment complexes, shopping centres, offices, hotels, factories, tourist resorts, public buildings, hospitals and schools. Construction workers also work on heavy industrial or civil construction sites; road, tunnel and shaft excavations; demolition sites; and local government works. On completion of a job, construction workers may have to apply to new sites for their next job. If they work for a civil, building or trade subcontractor (bricklayer, for example), new worksites may be organised for them. Employment opportunities can vary greatly in line with trends in the civil or building and construction industries.

Specializations

par - Construction workers may specialise by working with particular tradespeople as a trade assistant, such as a plasterer's or bricklayer's labourer, or a carpenter's assistant. Experienced construction workers may obtain high-risk work licences or 'tickets' to undertake a number of specialised roles, such as concrete workers, doggers, riggers, scaffolders or steel fixers. See the separate entries for these occupations for further information.

Construction Worker

Construction workers assist on building and construction sites by doing a range of manual labouring jobs. Construction workers may specialise by working with particular tradespeople as a trade assistant, such as a plasterer's or bricklayer's labourer, or a carpenter's assistant. Experienced construction workers may obtain high-risk work licences or 'tickets' to undertake a number of specialised roles, such as concrete workers, doggers, riggers, scaffolders or steel fixers.

Average age
34
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
4% female
Average full-time
44 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Higher Unemployment
Full-Time Share
73%
Employment Size
42,300
Employment by state
ACT: 1.5%
NSW: 35.2%
NT: 1.3%
QLD: 21.6%
SA: 6.0%
TAS: 1.8%
VIC: 23.2%
WA: 9.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 7.1%
20-24: 15.9%
25-34: 27.6%
35-44: 19.6%
45-54: 17.9%
55-59: 6.5%
60-64: 3.7%
65 and Over: 1.7%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 4.3%
Bachelor degree: 4.3%
Below Year 10: 9.2%
Certificate III/IV: 30.8%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.7%
Year 10 and below: 26.7%
Year 11: 8.3%
Year 12: 24.9%
Years 11 & 10: 23.6%