Just some of your
CAREER choices
Discover a career in
the civil industry as a…
SITE
HAND
A Site Hand is the core of the team and a great place to start your career in civil. They do all the jobs on a civil construction site that do not require specialists.
THE ROLE
This is the starting job for most in the industry. You will do different things on work sites, and learn to construct things using small machines and tools you control.
It’s a very team-focused environment, so you will be trained and supported. All while being in the great outdoors!
THE CAREER
WHERE WILL YOU WORK?
Everywhere! You could be working on roads, bridges, dams, pipelines, railway lines, tunnels, farms (including wind and solar), golf courses, houses and building sites…the list goes on!
WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?
You will have lots of options. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils,and Government agencies all employ Site Hands.
HOW SAFE IS IT?
Modern equipment is very, very safe. The civil construction industry is primarily funded by Government so is very safety focused.
IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?
Not at all. This is a start-out role so it’s expected you won’t know things. Your
employer will train you on the job in each task and each piece of plant you operate.
IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?
You will be doing physical work, but everyone is different 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 II or III in Civil Construction.
CAN YOU GET A TRADE?
Yes, in most States Civil Construction is a Trade. You can also do a Traineeship.
THE REQUIREMENTS
WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?
People who like working outdoors and who enjoy practical tasks.
HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?
You have to be at least 14 years of age.
WHAT SUBJECTS AND GRADES FROM SCHOOL DO YOU NEED?
There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required.
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 the most common starting point for people in the industry and you will have lots of options for growth. You could become a plant operator, a leading hand, site supervisor or project manager. You could even set up your own business, or go on to university and become an engineer. Many senior people and business owners in the industry started out as site hands.
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 II, III, 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?
The vast majority of people who enter our industry start out as a Site Hand. Each employer will have a slightly different need, so you should ask what type of work you will be doing.
Many join as a Site Hand to see what the industry is like, but you can be employed as a Site Hand and also be doing an Apprenticeship or Traineeship… talk to your prospective employer about the options.