Construction Industry
At the time of the last Census, the Construction industry was listed as the third largest employer in the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region, employing 10% of the region's workers. There are numerous career opportunities in the Construction industry. Jobs range from skilled construction workers all the way up to managers and professionals. The Construction industry is a key driver of the region's economy, contributing over $1 billion to Gross Regional Product in 2007/08. Construction activity looks set to continue in the region with the recent Australian Government boost to the first home buyer's grant and various building projects stimulating construction across the State. Supply to the construction trades is expected to grow in line with ascending apprenticeships, the shorter duration of some apprenticeship programs and for some trades, overseas immigration, but at present, the labour markets of the majority of construction trades are in State-wide shortage in Queensland and are likely to stay that way in the short-term. Working in Construction
Entry into the Construction industry typically involves employment as a builder's labourer or trade's assistant where training is performed on the job. Opportunities for training are available in numerous fields such as backhoe/excavator operator, concrete worker, pipe layer, scaffolder and many more.
A skilled tradesperson is someone who has completed an apprenticeship to become fully competent in a set of skills relating to their particular trade. There are many fields from which to choose an apprenticeship, including carpentry, bricklaying, tiling, plumbing, electrical, cabinetmaking and plastering.
Building Technician positions appeal to individuals who want a career offering a technical challenge and a combination of both office and onsite work. Such positions include that of Foreman and Building Inspector. Becoming a Building Technician typically involves specialised part-time training after the completion of an apprenticeship. Building Technicians become proficient in the planning, scheduling, supervision, site management and administration of projects.
Management level positions in the Construction industry depend on one's experience and level of education. Those who progress to management positions have typically completed a bachelor degree or higher and are professional builders, construction managers and quantity surveyors.
All people doing construction work in Queensland must have successfully completed a general safety induction course recognised by Queensland law before they start work in any construction activity.
