The Australian real estate market has two very different trends happening right now with high-end (or dare we say over-valued) properties reducing a little in value while middle-market properties grow in value. The construction industry, however, continues to soar. Therefore, if you have completed, or need, a white card course, you just need to choose whether you want to go into residential or commercial construction.
Construction Industry Overview
The year 2023 is an ideal time to get involved in the construction industry. The need for skilled workers continues to climb, as do salary levels. Skilled construction employment is a great career path for you to choose with your white card qualification.
Residential and commercial projects have differences that range from the equipment used right down to project funding. Let’s look at each one.
Residential Construction
Residential construction covers diverse new build and renovation projects, predominantly done with timber framing or alternative materials and brick and mortar. They include:
- Freestanding family homes
- Duplex buildings
- Semi-detached buildings
- Townhouses
- Villas
Residential projects need finer attention to detail and specialised skills are needed but seldom large equipment. Project budgets are predominantly spent on specialist contractors executing architect and designer plans, including:
- Cement finishing masons
- Construction carpenters
- Roofers
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Drywallers
- Tilers
- Alternative energy specialists
- Lighting designers
- Flooring specialists
Commercial Construction
Commercial construction builds much bigger, non-residential buildings using steel instead of timber framing. Projects include:
- Apartment blocks
- Office blocks
- Retail spaces and malls
- Storage facilities
- Industrial buildings and factories
Specialist heavy equipment operators, commercial plumbers, commercial electricians and commercial brick, concrete and stone masons seldom work on residential projects. Safety protocols are stricter and carefully controlled in commercial projects.
Time For Your Choice
The skill levels required vary based on your construction career path. Electricians, plumbers and carpenters usually complete an apprenticeship program and their white card course, which attracts better earnings. You can start with a high school diploma and on-the-job training before specialising. Heavy equipment operators, framers, roofers and painters don’t require a specialised degree.
To determine the most enjoyable construction career for you, assess whether residential or commercial construction piques your interest. Both options will offer you the chance of a successful and profitable long-term career path.
Get in touch with us today to start your lucrative career in construction with your white card course, which can be completed in a face-to-face setting or online via Zoom in Sydney or Melbourne.
