How to become a Builder

Builders coordinate the construction of dwellings and other structures, while also physically completing projects and adhering to safety standards.

Personal requirements for a Builder

Good communication and interpersonal skills
Management and leadership skills
Good planning and organisational skills
Aptitude for technical activities
Strong physical ability to handle the workload
Decision making and problem solving abilities

Education & Training for a Builder

To become a builder, you usually have to complete a VET qualification in building and construction. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become a builder by studying construction management or building at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional information

In some states and territories, builder must either be registered as, or work under the supervision of, a registered building practitioner. To be registered you must have completed training and have relevant industry experience. All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). Those with appropriate building qualifications may be eligible to become members of the Australian Institute of Building.

Duties & Tasks of a Builder

Builders:

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 a project to clients
Arrange the submission of plans to local authorities for approval and arrange inspections of building work
Organise employees and/or 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 employees and/or subcontractors to ensure buildings are of an acceptable standard and are proceeding according to the contract requirements and program schedule
Coordinate the activities of office staff involved in the preparation and payment of accounts
Comply with state and federal legal statutory contract law.

Tasks

Consults with architects, engineering professionals and other professionals, and technical and trades workers.
Interprets architectural drawings and specifications.
Co-ordinates labour resources, and the procurement and delivery of materials, plant and equipment.
Arranges submission of plans to local authorities.
Implements co-ordinated work programs for sites.
Builds under contract or subcontracting specialised building services.
Oversees the standard and progress of subcontractors' work.
Prepares tenders and contract bids.
Arranging building inspections by local authorities.
Negotiates with building owners, property developers and subcontractors involved in the construction process to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Ensures adherence to building legislation and standards of performance, quality, cost and safety.

Working conditions for a Builder

Builders usually work outdoors and in a wide range of properties, from commercial buildings to heritage listed dwellings. Builders normally work within a team.

Employment Opportunities for a Builder

Most builders are self-employed as sole proprietors, work as partners in small companies or work as company directors in larger firms. Builders may specialise in one area of construction (such as new homes, extensions and renovations of established homes or commercial building construction). Most work is available in the metropolitan area, although there are some opportunities to work in country areas, particularly in centres of mining activity. Due to variations in industry demand, employment opportunities are subject to change. In periods of low activity, builders with a trade qualification may seek alternative employment in their original trade area.

Specializations

Builder

Builders coordinate the construction of dwellings and other structures.

Average age
45 years
Future Growth
Strong
Gender Share
4% female
Average full-time
48 hours
Weekly Pay
$3,450
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
85% Full-Time
Employment Size
45,800 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 1.6%
NSW: 33.5%
NT: 0.9%
QLD: 19.6%
SA: 5.8%
TAS: 3.8%
VIC: 27.3%
WA: 7.6%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.5%
20-24: 5.1%
25-34: 17.8%
35-44: 24.5%
45-54: 25.9%
55-59: 11.4%
60-64: 7.9%
65 and Over: 6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 11.2%
Bachelor degree: 9%
Certificate III/IV: 60.4%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.1%
Year 10 and below: 6.8%
Year 11: 2.4%
Year 12: 8.1%