Question 1

employment

Accepted Answer

This is a large sector employing over 1 million people.

Question 2

education and training

Accepted Answer

Formal qualifications from Vocational Education and Training (VET) to university degrees in relevant topics.

Question 3

impact of new technologies

Accepted Answer

Computer-aided design and use of digital tools in construction planning and project management.

Question 4

impact of net zero

Accepted Answer

Move to reduce emissions in construction and finished buildings Home | Green Building Council of Australia (gbca.org.au).

Question 5

tasks and duties

Accepted Answer

Manages and works with subcontractors and service providers to deliver the works
Supports subsequent construction activities
Ensures the timely and effective delivery of a project.

Question 6

training and qualifications

Accepted Answer

Degree course in civil engineering. Candidates should check with universities to see what specific exam subjects and grades they require for entry A number of bodies offer certification.
Masters and postgraduate qualifications may be needed for more advanced and/or specialist roles. More broadly, communication and project management skills are useful.

Question 7

tasks and duties

Accepted Answer

Coordinate subcontractor and material standards
Ensure construction meets with current plans, variations and addenda for the project
Provide technical support to office staff and suppliers and communicate with clients

Question 8

training and qualifications

Accepted Answer

To be a building site supervisor, you usually need to have a general construction induction card (‘white card’), have completed an apprenticeship in a trades area and be working towards or have obtained a formal qualification in building or construction management.

Question 9

task and duties

Accepted Answer

Calculate the cost and time estimates for the building project
Check subcontractor quotations
Submit tenders and may manage the construction costs
Develop labour and material schedules
Administer contracts associated with the project

Question 10

training and qualifications

Accepted Answer

You usually need a formal qualification to work as an estimator in building and construction, along with a general construction induction card (‘white card’).

Question 11

further opportunities and pathways

Accepted Answer

As an estimator, you can sub-contract for several companies at a time or be employed by small and large construction companies. With further study and training your career could lead you to complete a degree at university to become a construction manager or estimating manager.

Career switch:

The specific skills of cost estimators in different industries are transferable to the construction sector. Also, those with a background in data analysis and product management may have the skills needed to become an estimator.

Question 12

tasks and duties

Accepted Answer

Assist clients with understanding building contracts
Keep track of and review all documentation
Ensure all parties adhere to the agreed requirements in the contract and report on progress
Maintain relationships with stakeholders and manage any conflicts regarding the contract

Question 13

training and qualifications

Accepted Answer

There are a variety of routes into contract administration rather than a formal technical qualification. However, you will need to build up an extensive knowledge of legal obligations and contract arrangements within construction.

It is important to have:

excellent communication skills
a close eye for detail and
the ability to work in a team.

Would offer potential openings for people who have worked in similar roles in other sectors.

Question 14

tasks and duties

Accepted Answer

You’ll usually move from one project to the next, working on a particular building or structure until it’s finished, spending plenty of time on site.

Liaising with architects and engineers is a daily part of the job
Negotiating with and ensuring a good deal from outside contractors is equally important
Plan a project from start to finish
Oversee the day to day running
Report on progress
Develop contacts with senior staff for each project
Ensure health and safety standards are met.

The job is varied but can involve long hours, particularly as deadlines loom or a project nears completion.

Question 15

training and qualifications

Accepted Answer

Education:

The role is a multi-faceted one and you will need a degree in a related area, such as civil engineering, building science, construction management, or construction science. Equally important though is your construction industry experience – this isn’t an entry-level role.

Experience:

You’ll need to have several years’ experience working in the industry, a strong understanding of project management, construction procedures and principles, and relevant knowledge of health and safety laws.
It is sometimes possible to enter via an apprenticeship and work your way up as you gain experience, but most people follow the degree route.

Skills:

Excellent time management and planning skills
Financial planning and budgeting skills
Communication skills

You’ll be smoothing the way between site workers, architects, stakeholders, council planners, architects and engineers. That’s a lot of interested parties to juggle, so your diplomacy skills need to be on point too.

Question 16

career switch

Accepted Answer

Recruiters with a background in HR see project management as a natural progression.
Project managers from other sectors (IT, manufacturing or with a background in the supply chain are also in-demand for roles in construction.

Question 17

tasks and duties

Accepted Answer

Provide support to engineers in a variety of fields such as structural engineering, environmental engineering, and transportation.

Specific tasks include:

Drafting
Drawing up plans
Preparing reports and other support tasks

Question 18

training and qualifications

Accepted Answer

You usually need a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification in civil engineering or another relevant field to work as a civil engineering technician. Some workers have university qualifications.

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