Redundancy in later life often comes as a shock, and the immediate consequences of leaving your long-term position may cause you stress. Not only are finances now front-of-mind, you may also be wondering about the best way to rekindle old networks and begin to market yourself again. In the moment after being made redundant, it’s common for the question “what do I do next?” to circulate in your mind.

The answer may just be a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building).

While it may come as a surprise, many people in their 30s and 40s discover that a redundancy is often a blessing in disguise. A sudden change in your career path allows you to question your satisfaction, and consider whether your original plan was the right path for you to take. In some cases, this is the nudge you might have needed to discover a passion you never knew you had, in term opening up a world of possibilities and career opportunities you’d never thought possible. 

Whether you choose a short course to test the waters, a Certificate IV in Building and Construction online, or a Diploma of Building and Construction, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling career, where you can have a real impact on society and find job satisfaction.

Focus on Transferrable Skills and Shared Values

Not all aspects of a construction career are about hands-on technique. In fact, as you climb further up the ladder through your Certificate IV in Building and Construction study, you’ll move away from labour altogether and instead set your sights on project management, team leadership, and whole-job oversight.

In many cases people are able to bring significant skills and knowledge from previous roles, and apply them successfully in this new setting. While it may seem daunting and different, there are many things you already know to help boost your employment in the building industry. Take a look at your highest paying job description, or your most recent yearly review, and take apart the key attributes you demonstrated well, such as leadership skills, time management and project planning. It is these qualities which will place you in an excellent position for a smooth transition into your new career, without slowing down, and this transition will only be strengthened by the knowledge you gain from a Certificate IV in Building and Construction.

What’s more, this is an opportunity to align yourself with an organisation that shares your intrinsic values, whether that’s a passion for sustainability, or fostering local community. Approach a number of companies that you could see yourself gelling with and use this angle to strengthen your application.

Have you considered a Mature-Age Apprenticeship?

For many of us who don’t have a background in construction or in a trade, an apprenticeship can be one pathway to gaining long-term employment and building a career. In fact, there are now a number of entry pathways, and for mature-age career changers, an apprenticeship could be the perfect next step. 

Because you have life experiences, a certain level of maturity, and professional skills from past employment, a prospective employer may see you as an asset to the company. You could be given tasks and responsibilities younger apprentices wouldn’t be trusted with, accelerating the rate of your learning.

There are many advantages to mature aged apprentices. Most have more stability in their private lives and at home, and have already faced the challenges which generally affect young people aged 16-20. Mature aged apprentices are comfortable in a working environment, and can hit the ground running, able to be productive from the word go.

If an apprenticeship pathway isn’t the right choice for you, you are able to combine a lifetime of career experience with a course, like a Certificate IV or Diploma of Building and Construction, to hone your talents to work towards a leadership role within the building and construction industry.

No matter what pathway you feel is right, there is always a way to take that first step. 

The demand for housing and infrastructure is fast growing, and demand for qualified professional increases alongside it. To ensure this growth is facilitated, building professionals who are able to manage a variety of people and resources, and manage their time effectively, are in demand now more than ever.  

The qualifications we offer at CWBTS are tailored toward all levels of industry experience. What’s more, with the option of completing your whole course through a virtual classroom, you can study a Certificate IV in Building and Construction online any time, from anywhere.

Be Empowered by Open-Ended Career Prospects

Were you stunted by a ceiling in your old career, resigned to the fact that you were at the end of the road? One of the most inspiring aspects to starting a career in construction is the limitless prospects. If you already have skills like people and project management, you may find that you skip the long days on the tools and head straight for higher roles, or may like to even consider opening your own specialist or consulting business, with a niche for the construction industry—complete with uncapped earning potential.

For those confident in their abilities, and not so keen on working on the tools, a Diploma of Building and Construction might be perfect for you. This course will allow you to make the transition into supervisory or managerial roles after your course graduation, and you will have key knowledge around tender proposals, structural principles, estimations and hiring. The Diploma of Building and Construction is a qualification that delivers students a complete understanding and skillset, one that will arm you with everything you need to know to move into your new career.

Looking to make the move to building and construction? Give us a call on 1300 4 CWBTS or get in touch here.