When looking for sustainable work, it’s important to consider your personal interests and skills. It may also be helpful to understand which industries currently have a high demand for labour, with demand expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

The term “in demand” means there is a greater chance of gaining employment in a particular sector because of the high demand for workers. In Australia, high demand jobs are spread across a number of different industries.

Our ‘Industries in Demand’ series highlights individual industries experiencing a high demand for labour and the types of jobs they offer. The first in our series covers the Construction Industry.

What is the Construction Industry?

The construction industry is focused on the construction, demolition, renovation, maintenance or repair of building and infrastructure. It is one of Australia’s largest industries, employing over 1.1 million people.

There are employment opportunities available at all skill and experience levels. The most common entry into this industry is through the completion of an apprenticeship or traineeship, which is reflected in the workforce’s educational attainment (almost half of workers possess a certificate III or higher VET qualification).

Around one in three workers, though, do not possess any post-school qualifications and 15% of the workforce are Labourers, which means there are some good entry level opportunities.

Is a job in the Construction Industry right for you?

A job in the Construction industry may be right for you if your interests and abilities include:

• working outdoors
• operating a range of tools and equipment
• developing practical skills
• capable of undertaking physical labour

Although traditionally a male dominated industry (85.5 per cent male according to a recent survey), the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has been established to boost the number of female workers.

In demand jobs

Construction is currently one of the highest in demand industries in Australia. The number of advertised vacancies has increased strongly since a low in March 2020, to the highest level in more than a decade. The following jobs are expected to experience strong to moderate growth over the next five years.

• Crane, Hoist and Lift Operators
  You can work as a Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator without formal qualifications, however, a certificate III or IV in construction crane operations or mobile crane operations may be useful.
• Building and Plumbing Labourers
  You can work as a Building or Plumbing Labourer without formal qualifications.
• Fencers
  You can work as a Fencer without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided.
• Insulation and Home Improvement Installers
  You can work as an Insulation or Home Improvement Installer without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided.
• Railway Track Workers
  You can work as a Railway Track Worker without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. A certificate II or III in rail infrastructure or rail track surfacing might be helpful.
• Structural Steel Construction Workers
  You can work as a Structural Steel Construction Worker without formal qualifications.
• Other Construction and Mining Labourers
  You can work as an Other Construction or Mining Labourer without formal qualifications.
• Carpenters and Joiners
  You can work as a Carpenter and Joiner without formal qualifications if you are able to demonstrate your technical competency to employers. However, a certificate III in carpentry or joinery is usually required. This course is often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
• Electricians
  You usually need a certificate III in electrotechnology (electrician or systems electrician) to work as an Electrician. This course is often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
• Gardeners
  You can work as a Gardener without formal qualifications, however, a certificate III or IV in horticulture, parks and gardens, landscaping or arboriculture may be useful.
• Handypersons
  You can work as a Handyperson without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. Some workers have Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications in areas such as carpentry, joinery or metal, electrical and engineering trades.
• Roof Tilers
  You can work as a Roof Tiler without formal qualifications if you are able to demonstrate your technical competency to employers. However, a certificate III in roof tiling is usually required.
• Plumbers
  You usually need a certificate III in plumbing to work as a Plumber. This course is often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
• Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics
  You usually need a certificate III or IV in refrigeration and air conditioning to work as an Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic. These courses are often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
• Civil Engineering Professionals
  You usually need a bachelor degree in a related field to work as a Civil Engineering Professional.
• Construction Managers
  You usually need a formal qualification in building or construction management or have a trade background to work as a Construction Manager. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.
• Architectural, Building & Surveying Technicians
  You usually need a formal qualification in a relevant field to work as an Architectural, Building or Surveying Technician. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.

Major Construction across Great Western Sydney

Sydney Metro

The Sydney Metro is potentially the most significant change to Sydney’s transport infrastructure ever seen. Once complete, Sydney will have a 66km long Metro system with 31 stations.

Sydney Metro West

The metro line linking Greater Parramatta and Sydney CBDs and communities along the way, servicing the key precincts of Sydney Olympic Park, The Bays, Parramatta, Westmead and the Sydney CBD. Work began in 2020 and expected to be completed in 2030. The project is expected to create about 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs during construction.

Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport

The railway servicing the new Western Sydney International Airport and Western Sydney Aerotropolis. To open at the same time as airline passenger services start. Once the tunnelling contract is complete in late 2024, work will continue to lay tracks and fit out stations. This project is expected to support 14,000 direct new jobs.

The Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan

The Australian Government is investing $2.9 billion over ten years (to 2026) in major infrastructure upgrades across Western Sydney. The Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan involves major road and transport linkages. This investment will relieve pressure on existing infrastructure and create thousands of local jobs.

Western Sydney Airport (Nancy-Bird Walton Airport)

Construction of the new Western Sydney Airport is underway, and is expected to continue until 2026, creating a huge pipeline of work for the western Sydney region in the medium term. Construction of the 3.7-kilometre runway and rapid-exit taxiways will commence in 2022 and is expected to support more than 1,200 direct jobs.

WestInvest

In 2021 the NSW announced a $5 billion investment to help build new and improved facilities and local infrastructure across western and south-western Sydney creating thousands of jobs in the process.

Powerhouse museum Parramatta

Construction expected to being early this year, with more than 4,000 jobs to be created during construction including more than 300 trainees and apprentices.

Want to know more?

If you would like more information on working in Construction and/or employment opportunities available now, please contact your Employment Consultant.

Sources: joboutlook.gov.au, yourcareer.gov.au, Labour Market Information Portal, National Skills Commission, Sydney Metro, infrastructure.gov.au