YOUR CAREER IN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Building and construction management is the planning, executing, and directing of construction projects, including small and large-scale building, and engineering projects. In 2019 construction accounted for 9% of all Australian jobs, making it one of the fastest-growing and largest industries.

The construction industry’s vast scale provides extensive management opportunities. Within the industry, the work ranges broadly between commercial, such as hotels and large office buildings, and residential development.

Managing building and construction projects is one of the highest paying roles in Australia, mostly due to the skill level, job responsibilities and challenges that come with managing any project. There are many entry-level construction management roles that skilled construction workers can find lucrative as they look to progress their career, away from tools but still in an exciting industry. Entry-level roles can include contract administrators, site managers, and building estimators.

In both entry-level and senior-level construction management positions, you will be looking after multiple teams of labourers and a variety of stakeholder groups, all whilst balancing budgets, estimates, contracts, costs, timelines and resources.

There are many pathways into a construction management role that may suit you depending on your career goals and past experience. Whether you’re ready to get off the tools, or you enjoy working on-site but want to work in a senior position, there is something for everyone. 

Find out what building and construction management positions are best suited for you. 

Contract Administrator v Building Estimator 

These specialist positions are perfect for those with experience working in construction who may have yet to take on managerial roles. While both these jobs may spend some time at job sites, they’re a perfect way to get off the tools with varied workdays filled with a range of responsibilities focused off-site. 

Site Manager v Registered Builder

For those ready to take a step into a higher-level construction position, becoming a Site Manager or Builder could be for you. While both of these roles are found on-site, a Site Manager can enjoy an ‘off-the-tools’ approach to work, whereas builders still work directly with them. Both need a good understanding of how a construction site operates, and many years of experience working on one to be successful in these positions. 

Project Coordinator v Construction Manager

Moving into senior construction management positions, with experience and a Diploma qualification you can enjoy roles such as Construction Project Manager or Construction Manager. While both will see you working on and off-site and managing teams and deadlines, they have some key differences in workload and responsibilities. 

Your everyday responsibilities and tasks will depend on your role in construction management. However, all construction management positions come with a challenging but rewarding schedule.

As a construction manager, you will be checking in with the teams you are responsible for, to ensure they have everything they need to complete their jobs and keep the project running to schedule. You will also be potentially meeting with stakeholder groups to address concerns, such as shareholders, other management professionals and community leaders where the project is located. You will be checking on the status and provision of materials and resources to ensure everyone has the tools they need to complete their respective jobs.

Becoming a builder is often the natural job progression for workers in construction. For those ready to take the next step in their building and construction career and become a registered builder, you need to obtain a builder’s licence.

Along with experience, you need formal qualifications in almost all states to obtain a builder’s licence. The first step to obtaining a builder’s licence is completing a Certificate IV in Building & Construction (Building) (CPC40120). This course will provide you with the first basic units and entry points into the requirements needed for a builders licence in each state.

With our flexible online study, you can complete your qualification while gaining industry experience. Find out how you can grow your career in construction and obtain your builder’s licence in your state.  

If you’re ready to get off the tools and pursue a career in building and construction management, having a formal qualification behind you is essential to success. Whether you’re after specialist and administrative roles such as contract administration or building estimator, or you’re ready to manage entire projects, CAL has a range of building and construction courses available to propel your career. 

The value of our Building & Construction Management qualifications is that the skills covered are practical and can be applied to your job from day one. It can ensure you’re highly qualified and ready to take on a management role immediately upon completion. Thanks to our online and self-paced study options, you also have the unique opportunity to progress in your career while still studying.