School students

Transform your future and make an impact

Have you considered a career in construction?

It’s all about finding the right fit for you.

Construction work might be a no brainer if you like working with your hands or already have friends and family in the industry.

If you think ‘construction’ is all physical work on building sites, maybe you’ve crossed construction off your list?

But did you know there are over 70 different construction careers to choose from?

And construction jobs can be:

more physical
not physical
something in between
based outside on a site
office-based
a blend of office and on-site

Yes, there are jobs to flex your muscles. But that’s not all…. There are also jobs for those who like:

design
numbers
working with people
managing projects

Benefits

4 reasons to work in construction

Construction means high employability and job stability. There’s a heap of infrastructure, Olympics and renewable energy projects coming up - construction skills are going to stay in top demand.

Construction can pay well – if you start an apprenticeship to earn while you learn (instead of paying to study) or go down a uni-pathway, there is good money to be made.

Many successful leaders in construction started out on the tools. The construction industry rewards hard workers and ambition – there are loads of opportunities to quickly move up into management and specialist roles with funded training.

If you like being independent and having flexibility, owning your own business could be for you. Construction skills are great for launching out on your own and running your own show.

Why choose construction?

Careers

The 10 most in-demand careers in construction

Construction Manager

Construction managers manage the construction of a range of projects, including public infrastructure like roads and bridges, as well as buildings and homes.

Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and equipment, ensuring safe and reliable functioning of electrical systems with their knowledge of electrical codes and safety practices.

Surveyor

Surveyors map the natural and built environments, specialising in land, mining, engineering, or hydrographic (water) surveying.

Labourer

Labourers are vital team members on construction sites, aiding tradespeople with tasks like tool handling and site clean-up, promoting efficient project execution.

Plant Operator

Civil construction plant operators sit in and control all the mobile heavy machines you see moving earth on constructions sites.

Carpenter

Carpenters work with timber and steel when installing fixtures and fittings on new builds, renovations or existing structures.

Plumber & Drainer

Plumbers are responsible for assembling, installing and maintaining water services, sanitary plumbing and sanitary drainage, gas, roofing and mechanical services in both existing and new constructions in residential, industrial and commercial workplaces.

Civil Engineer

Civil engineers plan, design, organise and oversee the construction of infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, railways, sewerage systems, airports and dams.

Painter

Painters apply paint, varnish, wallpaper and other finishes to protect, maintain and decorate interior and exterior surfaces of domestic, commercial and industrial buildings.

#10

Contract Administrator

Contract administrators plan, develop, negotiate and manage contracts to meet the needs of everyone involved.

Explore More Careers

Where do I start?

Entry Pathways

Got questions?

Deciding on a career

What school subjects should I choose for a career in construction?

Entry pathways

Uni vs. non-uni pathways – how do they compare? How do school-based apprenticeships and traineeships work? How do I apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship? How do I apply for VET courses? What is the difference between Vocational Education and Training (VET) and uni?