Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it hard to get a start in the industry?
- Is there lots of heavy lifting and is it a dangerous, unsafe industry to work in?
- What can I do after I complete my trade?
- Why do I need further study?
- Are there many opportunities for females?
- Are you well paid in the industry?
- Once I am qualified, can I work interstate or overseas?
- Is there enough work in the industry?
- What technology is used in the industry?
- What is an apprenticeship or traineeship?
- How long is an apprenticeship or traineeship?
- What is a training contract?
- How long will I be employed under a training contract?
- What can I do to make myself more marketable to an employer?
- What school results do I need to have?
- How old do I need to be?
- Where do I look for an apprenticeship or traineeship?
- Where, how and when will my New Apprenticeship training occur?
- What financial assistance will I be entitled to?
- How much will I get paid?
- What happens if I try an apprenticeship or traineeship and don't like it?
- What do I get when I finish?
- Who do I go to if I have any problems or questions during the apprenticeship or traineeship?
1. Is it hard to get a start in the industry?
All you need is the desire. By identifying that you want to work in the industry as early as possible you are already getting a headstart on others, and you can enrol in programs while you are still at school that can set you up immediately after you leave.
2. Is there lots of heavy lifting and is it a dangerous, unsafe industry to work in?
These are perceptions of the industry from about 30 years ago. Today there is mechanical lifting equipment and many of the building components are manufactured off-site technologies have made these components stronger and lighter.
Safety is all-important in this industry. Work health and safety regulations apply to all sites across Australia, so nowadays you are not allowed to even enter a site without the proper footwear and hard hat.
3. What can I do after I complete my trade?
The opportunities are endless. If you continue with studies after you finish your trade you can qualify yourself for management and supervisory positions in big construction companies. Or you may want to start and run your own business and work for yourself. Travelling and working around the country or overseas is another option, and would give you the chance to expand your knowledge, gain new skills, and experience other cultures and building methods. Remember construction uses both manual and intellectual skills, so how you progress with your career after you finish your trade is only limited by your desire.
4. Why do I need further study?
You don't want to hear this now but as you get older your ambitions will change and you will have different needs than what you have now. To keep pace with changes in the industry and to advance your own career options and prospects you will have to keep learning and expand your knowledge base. By doing this you will continue to grow, remain competitive and highly valued in the industry.
5. Are there many opportunities for females?
Yes. There is no gender restriction in the building and construction industry.
The opportunities that exist in the industry have been seized upon by females who have served their apprenticeship and gone into further study and progressed into management positions.
The Success Stories section in this website illustrate some of the 'girl power' taking place in construction.
6. Are you well paid in the industry?
Yes. The average weekly earnings in the construction industry are over $750 per week. As you continue to learn new skills and progress on your career path, your earnings will continue to increase with the new responsibilities and challenges you take on.
Construction is an industry which rewards people who are willing to work hard, and have a go!
7. Once I am qualified, can I work interstate or overseas?
Yes you can.
The skills you learn in your trade in Australia are highly regarded and sought after across the country and overseas.
Australians have worked on many important projects overseas including the channel Tunnel in England and France and The Friendship Bridge that joins Laos and Thailand. To be a part of these construction achievements fills you with pride and earns respect for your skills from other nations.
8. Is there enough work in the industry?
The building industry has its highs and lows like all industries that are dependent upon the economic activity of the country. There will always be construction activity though, and those who are willing to change with the new technologies and learn new skills will never be out of work.
9. What technology is used in the industry?
The industry is always embracing new technology to assist in construction methods that are faster, efficient and cost effective. Technology is also used in environmental impact studies that are determined prior to construction starting.
Computers are utilised everywhere in all industries today and the building and construction industry is no exception.
10. What is an apprenticeship or traineeship?
An apprenticeship or traineeship is an employment based training arrangement where an apprentice or trainee has the opportunity to combine practical experience in the workplace with structured training.
In the past apprenticeships ensured that a person qualified in a trade, however, it's not just trades that are included now! Many traditional apprenticeships are now offered as traineeships. Sounds confusing? Read On!
11. How long is an apprenticeship or traineeship?
An apprenticeship takes about 3.5 years but with the training methods today it can be shorter for those who really want to apply themselves to study and learning the practical side of the occupation. Traineeships tend to be shorter in duration and can be from 12 months up to 3 years.
12. What is a training contract?
A training contract is a contract signed by the employer and the apprentice/trainee to undertake specified training whilst employed. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties and is lawfully binding.
13. How long will I be employed under a training contract?
The term of the training contract varies depending on the apprenticeship or traineeship you choose. It also depends on whether you have any past experience such as pre-vocational training either at school, college, TAFE or other training organisation or relevant work experience.
Generally an apprenticeship is up to 4 years, and most traineeships are 12 months.
14. What can I do to make myself more marketable to an employer?
You could do a number of things to make yourself more marketable, including:
- take the opportunity to do some work experience while still studying;
- check out to see if there are any pre-vocational training options which will not only give you credit into the apprenticeship or traineeship, but will let you know if you're choosing the right career option; and
- put together a resume which outlines any work experience, hobbies or particular flair you have, especially if it relates to the job you're after. Also, if you have any work examples, why not include some photos!
15. What school results do I need to have?
Most apprenticeships and traineeships require basic numeracy and literacy skills. Completion of year 10 is usually the required standard, however, an interest or flair for the particular industry is also a major consideration. Employers may ask for some additional criteria eg: some previous training, higher level of schooling.
The most important thing is to make sure that you can cope with the course. There are also options available if you need assistance eg: remedial training, literacy & numeracy training, support & assistance from your employer.
The age limit is 15 to 64, however, there may sometimes be exceptions to this rule.
17. Where do I look for an apprenticeship or traineeship?
There are various options available to find an apprenticeship or traineeship. Some are:
- keep an eye out in the newspaper.
- contact a New Apprenticeship Centre. (To find one, go to the Links page.)
- when participating in a pre-vocational course at either a local college or TAFE, employers often contact them to see if they have anyone suitable.
- check to see if the training organisation, you're attending training with organises recruitment on behalf of employers.
- approach employers directly and ask them if they might consider taking you on as an apprentice or trainee. If they need some time to think about it, or they may not be looking for someone just now, leave them a copy of your resume.
- ask your parents for help, they're sure to know many business people in your region and may have some good contacts.
- contact a group training company. Group training companies employ apprentices and trainees and then hire them out to businesses. This means that during a 4-year apprenticeship you may work for 5 or 6 businesses and gain skills in a variety of workplaces.
- Go to the links page on this website and surf the "Find a career site".
18. Where, how and when will my New Apprenticeship training occur?
Depending on the particular apprenticeship or traineeship you choose, training can occur either:
- completely on the job, or
- a combination of on & off the job
19. What financial assistance will I be entitled to?
If you have to move away from home to work, you could be eligible for Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) to help with the rent.
If you have to move away from home to attend block or day release training in another part of the state you can claim travel and accommodation allowance from the Office of Post-Compulsory Education and Training. These allowances are paid whilst you are attending this training.
Apprentices and trainees are paid a reduced wage because they are being trained. Apprentice wages usually increase as they become more skilled, so the rates are based on the years of experience. Trainees are normally paid under the "national training wage" and is again based on the experience they bring to the job. To find out how much the wage is, go to the Wages section in this site.
21. What happens if I try an apprenticeship or traineeship and don't like it?
Apprenticeships and traineeships have a "probation period" built into them. This means that both the apprentice/trainee and the employer have a chance to see if they want to make a long-term commitment. Apprenticeships usually have a 3-month probation and the traineeships have a 1-month probation. Because the apprenticeships can be up to 4 years, there's more time to make sure both parties are sure they want to proceed.
After the probation has expired, it's more difficult to cancel the training contract, because a "contract" has been signed and there's a lot of time and effort been put into the training. However, if this does happen, you would need to contact your New Apprenticeship Centre a Training Consultant and talk to he/she about what options you have.
22. What do I get when I finish?
If you successfully complete your apprenticeship or traineeship you will receive a nationally recognised qualification. This means that your training is recognised throughout Australia if you decide to move and work on the mainland.
23. Who do I go to if I have any problems or questions during the apprenticeship or traineeship?
Depending on what the problem is, there are a number of options. If the concern is:
- about wages, contact the wages Hotline on 1300 366 322;
- about the training being delivered, contact your training organisation, or
- about the training contract, contact your New Apprenticeship Centre, or State Training Authority (see the links page on this website for their details).
