News

August 18, 2019

PATHWAYS IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION: FROM APPRENTICE TO MANAGER

The building and construction industry is booming, which means that there are plenty of career growth opportunities for young, hardworking individuals. Houses, apartments, towers and infrastructure projects are constantly under construction, allowing numerous opportunities for people aspiring to work in the field.

With a wide variety of building and construction courses online, you may be wondering what you can expect from your career path as an apprentice and after your graduation.

Construction management is a great way to further your career and develop your skills. To give yourself the best shot at this career path, it’s important to invest in your education first. 

Read on to learn more about how to become a construction manager in Australia.

Choosing a Trade

Regardless of what trade you choose, with the right qualifications you can climb up the ladder and find yourself in management. As with any career, you need to be willing to put in the legwork first. 

No matter the trade you want to work in, there are a number of building and construction qualifications available to choose from.  You can choose from roofing, welding, plumbing, bricklaying, tiling, carpentry and more.

Regardless of the trade you choose, there are multiple options for growth. Although some professions may sound more lucrative than others, doing something you enjoy will mean you invest more of your effort into it, giving you a better chance at success.

The best way to choose the right trade for you is to consider your interests, and think about the types of construction projects you’re interested in. In addition, think about what you’re naturally good at, and how well you can interpret blueprints, maps or diagrams.

Building and construction jobs are so versatile that even if dislike certain areas of your trade, there will most likely be other areas that you do enjoy a lot.

Once you get to a higher level in management following an online building and construction course, your skills will be even more transferable.

Pathways After an Apprenticeship

After you’ve completed your apprenticeship, and made a place for yourself in your trade, you can start to work your way up the career ladder.

Most people stay on the tools for a number of years to gain work experience and build a strong skill set before taking on their building and construction certificate.

There are many available pathways to become a construction manager, and most of them require further study in the form of a Certificate IV or Diploma.

Construction management, in short, involves managing a project from start to finish. This include planning, directing, coordinating and controlling construction projects. Construction management can be intense, but it is largely rewarding when a project is completed successfully. 

A common misconception about construction management is that you need to be at least degree qualified or higher to be considered for the role. Once you start working onsite, by speaking with experienced construction managers you’ll soon realise how to become a construction manager without a degree.

Construction Management Courses

Studying building and construction courses online allow you the freedom to study in your own time, making you a competitive candidate for construction management positions around your own schedule. 

For example, our CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and Construction encompasses a range of study areas that train you to successfully plan and coordinate domestic building projects. It can also give you the skills to manage your own business.

Diploma level qualifications are excellent pathways to construction management as they cover key areas such as structural principles, cost estimations and hiring contracts which are important to know when you are managing domestic, industrial or commercial projects as well as business matters.

By completing a building and construction course online, you are able to maintain other aspects of your life, such as day job, family commitments and other obligations while still completing your studies. If you choose to complete an online course, you’ll learn in a virtual classroom environment with other students, and have face-to-face interactions similar to that of a physical classroom. 

How Long Does It Take to Climb up the Ladder?

Whether you’re in high school, or you’re considering a career change, the end goal is often the first thing that comes to mind when considering your next career. 

The time it takes to climb the career ladder is different for everyone, and there are a variety of factors which will influence your individual journey. Some of the factors which influence your climb are your qualifications, experience and professional network. 

Building and construction certificates are great ways to improve your contacts, and the people you meet will give you an insight into their own careers.

Although your new relationships might not be beneficial immediately, it pays to stay in touch and help others out, as your best career opportunities are likely to come long after you finish your study.

Building and construction is an exciting, versatile industry which will only grow as the population increases.

If you want to work on projects that will help shape society, contact us about how to take that next step into the building and construction industry by getting in touch here or giving the team a call on 1300 4 CWBTS.

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