Civil construction is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams and other public works. It is a critical part of the economic development of any country and plays a vital role in shaping the built environment. Civil construction is a large and diverse field, and studying to become a professional in this industry could lead to a future full of all kinds of exciting job opportunities.
Civil construction jobs
Civil construction encompasses several subdisciplines that, in turn, offer various positions and job types that contribute to building and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps societies running.
There are various career areas in civil construction that require different levels of training and experience. Some possibilities include becoming a:
- Plant operator, responsible for operating different types of heavy machinery and equipment used in industrial and manufacturing processes. Responsibilities include excavation, crushing, lifting and transporting materials from one location to another. Plant operators may be required to handle machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, trenchers, backhoes and excavators.
- Project manager, responsible for overseeing the entire construction process from start to finish.
- Site engineer, responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of construction sites.
- Quantity surveyor, responsible for ensuring that construction projects stay on budget.
- Civil earthworks contractor, responsible for preparing the preliminary work for construction and infrastructure projects. This includes levelling soil, clearing tree roots, rocks and other debris from a work site preparing it for the next stage of construction.
No matter the career path chosen, there are many opportunities for advancement and growth in civil construction. Though the salary for these occupations can vary, job security is high for all of them. Could you see yourself in any of the above roles? Read on to see if your skills and interests make you a good fit for a career in civil construction.
Key civil construction worker skills
To become a successful civil construction worker, some key technical and personal skills are needed to lead a rewarding career in this diverse industry.
Some important skills for future civil construction workers include:
- Math skills: Workers need math skills to read and interpret blueprints and other technical drawings. They use these drawings to plan their work and estimate the number of materials they will need.
- Physical strength and stamina: Civil construction workers must be physically fit enough to lift heavy objects and perform manual labour tasks for long periods. They need stamina because they may sometimes be required to work for many hours at a stretch.
- Communication skills: Workers must communicate with their coworkers and supervisors to complete tasks efficiently and effectively.
Most civil construction worker jobs require professional training to be eligible for employment in Australia. If this sounds like a career path you’d like to pursue, a course or traineeship from an accredited TAFE such as TAFE Gippsland would be the perfect first step to a fruitful career as a civil construction worker!
Civil construction courses
If you’re considering taking the next step towards a career in civil construction, TAFE Gippsland offers some excellent choices in the way of training for an exciting future in this diverse industry:
- Certificate III in Civil Construction (Traineeship): The Certificate III in Civil Construction is a practical qualification that will help you start your career in civil construction. You will learn how to apply theoretical knowledge to different work contexts and how to judge situations and implement theoretical knowledge. This course will also teach you about pipe laying, occupational health and safety, and the planning and completion of major earthworks, drainage and concreting projects. Completion of this course will enable students to become road construction workers who can operate specialised plants and machinery to build new roads and improve existing ones.
- Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations: The Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations is designed to help students become trade-qualified and skilled plant operators within the civil construction sector. The course will teach students how to use state-of-the-art equipment to complete crucial tasks in their workplace. It will also cover various topics, such as how to operate excavators, front end loaders, rollers and other civil construction machinery. For entry into this course, you will need adequate language, literacy and numeracy skills and, ideally, some experience or relatable skills in the civil construction industry. This course will get you trained up for roles working on projects in various environments such as:
- subdivisions
- bridge works
- railways
- harbours
- sewerage
- drainage
- electrical infrastructure
- pipeline
- recreation works.
- Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations: The civil construction industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, and the Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a trade-qualified and skilled plant operator within this sector. While in this traineeship, you'll learn how to operate the equipment needed to complete all the essential tasks in your workplace, as well as how to apply a broad range of skills to different work situations and make informed decisions. This course is workplace-based, but students will attend campus one day per month. This day will include the theoretical delivery of training materials. The trainer of this course will also attend each student's workplace one day per calendar month for practical observation. For entry into this course, you will need adequate language, literacy and numeracy skills and, ideally, some experience or relatable skills in the civil construction industry.
Civil construction apprenticeship
An apprenticeship or traineeship is an agreement between an employer and an employee where the employee agrees to work and train with the employer in a specific trade for a set amount of time. This type of program is valuable because it provides comprehensive on-the-job training, offering preparation for employment in the workforce. Plus, why not earn while you learn?
There are many ways to find a civil construction apprenticeship. Firstly, it’s worth researching online via traditional job ad websites. You can also contact the Australian Apprenticeship Centre in your area. If you’re between the ages of 15 and 24, you may be eligible for a YES apprenticeship (Youth Employment Scheme). Most importantly, make use of TAFE Gippsland’s Skills and Jobs Centre - the team is available to assist you in sourcing an apprenticeship opportunity within your community.
For more in-depth information about apprenticeships and sourcing one that’s right for you, check out this informative article.
Civil construction salary
Once you’ve trained up and have gained the appropriate experience, a career in civil construction can be very rewarding, with salary levels averaging $72,571 per year. For civil construction trainees, the average salary is $55,000 per year, which will increase over time as apprentices gain experience. Training to become a civil construction worker can be a very lucrative move. The civil construction industry has become one of the biggest in Australia, and talented civil construction workers are in-demand for a range of diverse roles.
In this article, we have discussed what civil construction is, what civil construction workers do and what it takes to get qualified to enter the field. Are you interested in working to improve public infrastructure? There are many subdisciplines within civil construction, making it a diverse field that will suit a range of interests. Australia has a high level of infrastructure activity, so there will always be a supply of job opportunities, most with attractive salary packages. If you have the necessary skills and interests, then pursuing a career in civil construction could be the right move for you. For more information about your future as a civil construction worker, contact TAFE Gippsland today.