Career Profiles

Career Profiles

Building & Construction

Building and construction is a 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 in this industry 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 supply of goods and services in the industry is mainly provided by and used in Australian industry.

The work

Construction is the fifth largest employing industry in Australia, representing nearly 10 per cent of the Australian work force and creating more jobs in the five years to 2007 than any other industry (Australian Jobs, 2007, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations).

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:

• Architecture
• Building and construction management
• Cartography and surveying
• Interior design
• Quantity surveying
• Urban and regional planning

The construction industry has experienced strong growth in recent years. It is expected that this growth will continue over the next five years, although at a more moderate rate.

What you need

Creativity and artistic flair are invaluable in many occupations in the industry, particularly architecture, 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 are highly valued, 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, engineering and technology 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-$53,125, four to six months after completing their qualifications. For experienced architects salaries range from $55,000-$90,000, while salaries of over $100,000 are not uncommon for managerial roles. See www.gradsonline.com.au for current salary information.

Significant stats

• The construction industry now employs over 951,600 in Australia, with 248,700 jobs being created in the last five years.
• The industry is expected to create another 82,500 jobs in the next five years.
• There are more than 20,000 architects in Australia (https://jobsearch.gov.au ).

Source: except where indicated, all figures from www.skillsinfo.gov.au