Just some of your
CAREER choices
Discover a career in
the civil industry as a…
LEADING
HAND
The first step in managing people, a Leading Hand will look after a small civil work team of up to 15 people.
THE ROLE
You will have been in the industry for a few years and will have practical skills. You will still be doing civil construction work, but you will now be looking after others on the ground as they do it.
You will make sure your team builds to the specification, keeps safe, and follows the work rules. As you become more senior, your teams will get larger… this is preparing you for Site Supervisor or other managerial roles.
THE CAREER
WHERE WILL YOU WORK?
Everywhere and anywhere there is civil construction! You will still be on civi construction sites. You will be outdoors and will NOT work in an office!
WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?
You will have lots of options. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils, and Government agencies all employ Leading Hands.
HOW SAFE IS IT?
Very safe. The civil construction industry is primarily funded by Government, and so is very safety focused.
IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?
To get this role you will already have some experience and be competent. It will start to become more challenging as you begin to learn new skills around works planning and operations.
IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?
As you will still be doing construction work, it is no different to what you were doing before the promotion.
Just some of your
CAREER choices
THE TRAINING
IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND WILL IT COST YOU?
Your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get a qualification it will be paid for by the employer and the Government.
IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?
Yes, if you want. It’s not essential, but helpful. You can receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification such as the Certificate IV in Civil Construction (you could do either Operations or Supervision) or do a Certificate IV in Frontline Management.
These Qualifications take you to the next level of skills needed to prepare you for a management career.
REQUIREMENTS
DOES THIS MEAN MORE MONEY?
Yes. You will be taking on more responsibility, and so will be paid more.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?
You have to be at least 14 years of age.
ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?
No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!
THE FUTURE
IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER
Yes. You will be taking on more responsibility, and so will be paid more.
IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?
Definitely! This is the starting point to learn how to manage people and most in the industry have been through the role.
You could go on to become a Site Supervisor, a Technical Specialist, a Project Manager, set up your own business, or even go on to university and become an Engineer. The list of options from here is endless.
WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?
No. It’s your call when you choose between jobs as some employers have projects in different locations. If you do move, your expenses are often covered by the employer.
CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?
Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IVs, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you want to take your learning!
CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?
Yes. The practical and people skills you learn will be very useful for engineering related courses.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
You must already have a job in the industry doing a technical role like Plant Operator or Site Hand. This proves you know the work and are going to manage others safely.
Then, through working hard, you will be selected for promotion. You can tell your employer you are interested in this, but we recommend you don’t do that on day one!