Depending on how much study you have completed, it can significantly affect your employment prospects. The difference between two levels in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF, which details the levels of educational qualifications in Australia) is more considerable than many are aware of. For instance, the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) offers greater scope of opportunities when compared to the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building). The increase in the complexities of content taught means that employers are open to offering more roles with those who have reached this stage. There are many jobs that are available to pursue having completed a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) course, and below are some of the few highly sought after.
Building and Construction Manager
A Building and Construction Manager is like any other manager who oversees the entire process of a project, in this case construction. Everyone on site looks to them as the leader who delegates tasks and ensures work is smooth and completed on time. Because this role is extensive in nature, it requires significant experience in the construction industry, and a variety of other roles previously completed as well. A Construction Manager must be able to:
- Manage and organize resources of labour, allocating workers to the right tasks to maximise efficiency
- Deal and consult with experts in Architecture, Engineering, Trade etc.
- Ensure adherence to legislation and construction is of required standard
- Submitting plans to local bodies
Building Associate
The demand for workers in this role is quite high. Evidence points to the contributions a Building Associate can provide in a construction project. Building Associates have numerous tasks, such as aiding construction managers, architects, and surveyors in the planning and organisation of projects, and analysing and elucidating plans, regulations and codes of practice. The also role offers more technical aspects, such as:
- Assembling initial sketches, working drawings, specifications etc.
- Assembling, editing and revising plans, maps, charts, drawings etc.
- Collating data utilising surveying instruments and photogrammetric equipment
Further specialisation is applicable to this role. For example, you could become a Building Construction Supervisor, which focuses on the planning and organisational aspect of being a Building Associate and assuming greater leadership responsibilities. Or, you could become a Clerk of Works, whereby you would work to ensure standards of safety and quality are being adhered to. This could include conducting inspections on site and juxtaposing completed works with original drawings and specifications.
Professional Builder
Another role you could seek to gain employment for is the role of a Professional Builder. Also known as a Project Builder, this job involves planning, organising and controlling construction projects for dwellings and other buildings. Labour resources must be continuously accounted for, ensuring appropriate people are working in the right capacity, and capital resources such as materials, plant and equipment must be procured. Other aspects of this role include:
- Interpreting architectural drawings and specifications
- Ensuring projects are completed in a timely and costly manner
- Overseeing the standard and progress of the work of subcontractors
Construction Estimator
Construction Estimators are tasked with compiling a list of physical resources required to determine the costs of construction projects. This will normally occur continuously until the tender settlement stage. Whilst demand is moderate, the job offers generous pay rates. Construction Estimators will normally engage is tasks such as:
- Calculating costs and estimating time periods
- Inspecting work and materials for compliance with specifications, regulations and standards
- Producing initial sketches, working drawings and specifications
- Producing, editing and revising plans, maps, charts and drawings
Many underestimate the job of a Construction Estimator. It is not as leadership-based as the previous two roles mentioned above, however it requires an advanced skill level that can cope with time-consuming processes to ensure success of construction projects.
Completing a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) is an assured way of opening doors in the construction industry. The level of education it provides means that you can be sure there is a diverse range of jobs on the market, and it also makes advanced roles available for pursuit.
Parker Brent offers the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building). If you are interested in progressing your studies in Building and Construction, enquire with us to find out more details about the course offering: https://www.parkerbrent.com.au/enquire-now
