Construction is one of Australia’s largest employing industries, with employment opportunities available at all skill and experience levels across the country. 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 (50% of workers possess a certificate III or higher VET qualification).
Just over one in three workers, though, do not possess any post-school qualifications and 16% of the workforce are Labourers which suggests there are some good entry level opportunities.
Top employing occupations
| Occupation |
|---|
| Carpenters and Joiners |
| Electricians |
| Construction Managers |
| Plumbers |
| Building and Plumbing Labourers |
| Painting Trades Workers |
| Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians |
| Concreters |
| Earthmoving Plant Operators |
| Plasterers |
| Civil Engineering Professionals |
| Gardeners |
| Bricklayers and Stonemasons |
| General Clerks |
| Handypersons |
| Insulation and Home Improvement Installers |
| Office Managers |
| Accounting Clerks |
| Truck Drivers |
| Wall and Floor Tilers |
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This industry offers plenty of opportunities for self-employment, and more than one in three workers report being their own boss. More information on self-employment.
Construction has the lowest percentage of female employment of any industry within Australia (13%).
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work