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I want to learn more about the construction industry
Why choose a career in construction
Construction is a large growth industry that employs more than 1.1 million people in Australia. There are a diverse range of career opportunities available in the construction sector that you can discover on this page. If you have some of the following qualities, an exciting career in construction may be your best option:
- open to learning
- mathematics
- problem-solving skills
- communication and reading skills
- technology skills
- interested in creating things with your hands
- enjoy working in a team and being proactive.
There has never been a better time to learn new skills and start your career in construction with free and subsidised trade and training courses available through TAFE NSW, Skills NSW and Smart and Skilled.
What types of construction roles are available?
With the massive growth in infrastructure in Australia, there are many rewarding careers available. Some roles in the construction industry include:
- Electrician
- Engineering manager
- Civil engineer
- Painter
- Cabinet maker
- Bricklayer
- Scaffolder
- Carpenter
- Plant operators
- Contract administrator
- Building designer
- Project manager
- Project director
- Site supervisor
- Environmental designer and many more!
For more detail on specific occupations, career paths and qualification requirements for roles, head to the Careers NSW website or Women Building Australia.
Find the right career path for you
Explore the wide range of training opportunities and careers available to you!
Considering a new career path? A career in construction is a great option as one of Australia’s largest growing industries.
Pursuing an apprenticeship is your first step to getting your foot in the door. An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to complete your qualifications while being able to work in the related job and get paid!
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where you can learn and gain valuable on the job experience. Along with on-the-job training, you will also spend at least 20% of your working hours completing classroom-based learning with a university or training provider to become a qualified trades person, setting you up with a career for life. Apprenticeships last around three to four years.
Find out more about fee-free apprenticeships
Discover fee-free training courses in construction and related fields at Skills NSW - Built for Women
JobTrainer provides subsidised training to gain skills in Australia’s growing industries. Explore the courses now at Skills NSW - NSW JobTrainer
Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age, offering opportunities to learn new skills. Find out more at Australian Apprenticeships
What is a traineeship?
A traineeship is paid on-the-job practical training with an employer, where you get to train under a supervisor and learn about the industry and job that you're in. A traineeship lasts around one to three years.
Discover Fee-free traineeships
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Find out more about what construction is, what types of roles are available and what can be in it for you.
I work in the construction industry
Explore resources designed to assist women working in the construction industry.
Are you looking to take the next step in your career but unsure how to go about it?
A helpful first step is having a conversation with your employer about wanting to progress in career.
Having a plan that maps out what you want to do and how to get there, as well as setting achievable goals, will help refine your thinking.
Below are services to help you take the next step:
Explore these resources if you are looking to learn new construction-based skills or are interested in a new profession within construction.
Joining a community of like-minded women working construction is great for networking, learning about job and career opportunities, and exposure to the different areas of construction.
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
There is no place for bullying, discrimination, or harassment in the construction industry.
Learn more about what you can do to identify, report and stop poor workplace conduct:
SafeWork NSW can help you to understand your work, health and safety obligations and provide practical advice to prevent, manage and report sexual harassment in your workplace - Respect at Work
Download the Speak Up Save Lives SafeWork app to anonymously raise safety concerns and inappropriate behaviour at your workplace.
Call SafeWork on 13 10 50
Contact industry@infrastructure.nsw.gov.au if you would like to share your experiences working in the construction industry on the Women’s Stories page.
