Career ProfilesCareer ProfilesBuilding & ConstructionThe industry... Building and construction is fundamental industry in both Australia and New Zealand. It provides residential buildings and non-residential buildings (such as shops, offices, schools and hospitals), and infrastructure (such as roads, bridges, water and electricity supply, sewerage and telecommunications). Activity is undertaken by both the private and public sectors. The private sector is involved in the residential, non-residential and infrastructure categories of the industry. The public sector plays a key role in initiating and undertaking engineering construction work as well as building projects related to health and education. The work... Although building and construction professionals constitute a relatively low proportion of the industry, there are opportunities for graduates to obtain employment with local government, civil engineering contractors, large firms, private construction companies, specialist skills firms and in their own businesses. Graduate opportunities in the building and construction sector are mostly found in the following occupations:
Employment in the industry is expected to continue to grow in the short- to medium-term. Occupational pathways... Architects & Landscape Architects... Architects and Landscape Architects design commercial, industrial, institutional, residential or recreational buildings or landscapes. Architects write specifications and contract documents for use by builders and tenderers. Landscape Architects prepare reports, site plans, working drawings, specifications and cost estimates for land development. Builders & Construction Managers... Builders and Construction Managers plan, organise and administer the activities of businesses involved in building and construction. They interpret architectural drawings and specifications, and consult with Architects, Engineers and other professionals. They are also required to negotiate with building owners, property developers and subcontractors, and coordinate labour resources. Interior Designers... Interior Designers design and supervise the construction or redevelopment of commercial and residential building interiors. They consult with clients and Architects to determine client requirements and develop designs, with working drawings and specifications for construction, materials, finishes, space planning, lighting, furnishings and equipment. There is strong entry-level competition for Interior Design positions. Many graduates seek work overseas where there is wider range of experience available. Quantity Surveyors... Quantity Surveyors estimate and monitor construction costs from the feasibility stage of a project through to the completion of the construction period. They study architectural and engineering drawings and specifications to estimate total design costs. They also consult with Architects, Builders, Engineers, Financiers, Developers and owners to prepare detailed cost plans and estimates. Urban & Regional Planners... Urban and Regional Planners develop and implement plans and policies for the use of urban and rural land. They devise and recommend land use and development plans by conferring with government authorities, communities, Architects, Social Scientists, Lawyers and planning, development and environmental specialists. What you need... Creativity and artistic flair are invaluable, as much work involves being able to conceptualise ideas and requirements based on client descriptions, and subsequently transferring those ideas to technical drawings and illustrations. Excellent mathematical abilities will provide you with a strong foundation, as many roles involve the calculation of financial data and design physics. Employment in this industry is generally gained through a bachelor degree or higher qualification, or at least five years’ relevant experience. In-depth knowledge of design, mathematics, engineering and technology and administration and management are vital. Strong computer skills are also essential, as much work is conducted using Computer Aided Design (CAD). Money matters... In 2006, the Australian Graduate Survey showed half of all bachelor graduates employed full-time in the building and construction industry were earning between $35,000 and $53,125, four to six months after completing their qualifications. In New Zealand, typical salaries for graduate Architects and Interior Designers are between $30-45,000 (Hays Salary Survey, 2006). Longer-term, salaries range from $55,000 to $90,000 for experienced Architects, while salaries of over $100,000 are not uncommon for managerial roles in building and construction. For current salary figures go to www.gradsonline.com.au . Snapshot... The construction industry has experienced strong growth in recent times, contributing more new jobs than any other industry within Australia over the past five years and almost a quarter of new jobs created in New Zealand between 2001 and 2004. It is expected that this growth will continue over the next five years, although more moderately. The statistics: The construction industry now employs over 870,000 in Australia, with 222,000 jobs being created in the last five years, and 150,000 in New Zealand, almost eight per cent of the New Zealand workforce. Australia’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations predicts the industry will create another 75,000 jobs in the next five years. Only around 13 per cent of those currently working in the industry are female. The industry employs around 43,000 builders and construction managers. Figures from DEWR’s Job Outlook 2006 and Immigration New Zealand. The experts say...
In 2002-03, the industry accounted for 6.3 per cent of GDP ($46 billion) and over seven per cent of the workforce, employing about 730,000 people. This article was taken from Graduate Opportunities 07/08 © 2007 Graduate Careers Australia. |
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