Just some of your
CAREER choices
Discover a career in
the civil industry as a…
ROAD
CONSTRUCTOR
From preparing the foundations, laying the base, to topping with concrete or asphalt, a Road Constructor builds the side streets and motorways we all drive on.
THE ROLE
In this role you will work on different sites learning how to build and maintain roads of all types.
You will use your hands and a variety of small and big machines to do it. The role is quite varied and, as the road gets built, you do different things in the construction process. What is common is that you will work outdoors in a very strong team environment.
THE CAREER
WHERE WILL YOU WORK?
Anywhere there are roads, and there are roads everywhere! You could be working on highways, motorways, building a new suburb, a fire trail, or maintaining an existing road in a tunnel.
WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?
You will have lots of options. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils, and Government agencies all employ people in this role.
HOW SAFE IS IT?
Modern equipment is very, very safe. The civil construction industry is primarily funded by Government, and so is very safety focused.
IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?
We aren’t using lego, but not really. It’s challenging, and you will learn a lot, but your employer will train you on the job in each task and each piece of plant you operate.
IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?
It is physical work, but you do not need to be superwoman or superman. Everyone is different and can do different things and employers know that.
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 you can receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification such as a Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Construction and Maintenance).
CAN YOU GET A TRADE?
Yes, in most States there are a variety of related qualifications that can be done as a Trade.
REQUIREMENTS
WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?
People who like working outdoors and who enjoy practical tasks. People with
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?
You have to be at least 14 years of age ( *conditions apply)
WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?
There are NO minimum score results, or
ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?
No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!
THE FUTURE
IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?
Yes! This is a great starting point and you will have lots of options. You could become a specialist plant operator, a manager, set up your own business, or even go on to university and become an engineer. Many senior people and business owners in the industry started out as plant operators.
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 go!
CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?
Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering-related courses.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
There are a few options… Most start work for as a Site Hand with an employer that works on road construction. Once you have learnt the ropes you will find yourself doing more technical pieces of road construction.
You will then likely seek out or be encouraged to do a qualification in Road Construction. It is possible to do the qualification by starting as an Apprentice, or to start the Apprenticeship later.