Pathways in Building & Construction: From Apprentice to Manager

Building and construction is a booming industry with plenty of room for growth for young, hardworking individuals. Houses, apartments, towers and infrastructure projects are constantly under constructed, meaning there are always 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, but you need to invest in your education to give yourself the best shot.

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 first have to do the legwork.

There are a number of building and construction certificates to choose from that will qualify you for various trades. 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 pick one is to consider your interests and think about what type 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

Once you have established yourself in your trade after an apprenticeship, you can begin to work your way up the 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 construction management pathways available to you, and often they require further study in the form of a Certificate IV or  diploma.

Construction management involves the planning, directing, coordinating and control of construction projects. This can be an intense job, but it is highly rewarding when projects are completed.

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

Building and construction courses online allow you to upskill in your own time and become a competitive candidate for construction management positions.

For example, our Certificate IV in Building and Construction CPC40120 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 taking a building and construction course online, you’ll benefit from their flexibility so you can maintain your day job, family commitments and other obligations.

Often, you’ll be learning in a virtual classroom are available for online learners but you’ll also benefit from face-to-face learning in a physical classroom.

How Long Does It Take to Climb up the Ladder?

If you’re in high school or you’re someone thinking about a career change, the end goal is often the first thought that comes to mind about your career.

There is no one answer to this question, as it is dependent on a number of things.

This includes your qualification level, 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 can expect ongoing growth as the population quickly increases. Work on projects that can become people’s homes, and take that extra step with a building and construction certificate today!