Building & Construction Apprenticeships Pathway
A career in construction starts with hands-on training and real-world experience. To get started on the right foot, building apprenticeships or construction apprenticeships are the best way to gain the skills, qualifications, and confidence needed to build a successful future in the industry.
Types of Apprenticeships in Building and Construction
1. Carpentry Apprenticeship
| Certificates to Acquire | Description |
| Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220) | This is the main qualification for carpenters and covers all aspects of carpentry including building frameworks, installing fixtures, and fitting doors and windows. |
| Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) | Ideal for those who want to progress into supervisory or management roles in construction. |
Skills Acquired:
- Plan, prepare, read, and interpret building and construction plans, contracts, and specifications.
- Demolition of minor building structures.
- Install and replace windows and doors.
- Install lining, panelling and moulding, and flooring systems.
- Construct wall and ceiling frames, pitched roofs, eaves, and timber external stairs.
- Identify and estimate building costs.
- Supervise projects.
- Understand and interpret Australian building standards for residential and commercial constructions.
2. Plumbing Apprenticeship
| Certificates to Acquire | Description |
| Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420) | The primary qualification for plumbers. It covers work in domestic, commercial, and industrial settings. |
| Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920) | This qualification is for plumbers who want to specialise in advanced services like gas fitting or backflow prevention. |
Skills Acquired:
- Utilise hand and power tools.
- Lay and join hydraulic services.
- Install water services, water heating systems, pump sets, roof coverings, and drainage systems.
- Maintain gas appliances and gas services.
- Design and size plumbing systems.
- Estimate the cost of work.
- Execute risk control procedures.
- Interpret plans, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
3. Electrical Apprenticeship
| Certificates to Acquire | Description |
| Certificate II in Electrotechnology (UEE22020) | This course guides you through the essentials for entry-level work in this skills shortage area and sets up a solid foundation for electrotechnology trade qualifications. |
| Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) | This is the required qualification to become an electrician in Australia. You will be responsible for fault-finding, inspecting, and maintaining various electrical systems. |
| Certificate IV in Industrial Electronics and Control (UEE40920) | This course strengthens your skills and prepares you for career advancement in manufacturing, industrial automation, robotics, and other emerging industries. |
Skills Acquired:
- Connect electrical circuits.
- Solve issues with electrical equipment.
- Install wiring systems, accessories, and appliances for low-voltage general electrical installations.
- Diagnose and repair digital and analogue circuits and components in electronic and digital control systems.
- Use drawings, schedules, standards, diagrams, codes, and specifications.
- Create and develop structured programs in programmable logic controllers (PLC) to control external devices.
- Use engineering software programs.
- Write engineering reports.
- Implement safe work practices.
4. Bricklaying Apprenticeship (We don’t offer this apprenticeship)
| Certificates to Acquire | Description |
| Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (CPC33020) | This qualification covers bricklaying, including constructing walls, arches, and other structures using bricks and blocks. |
| Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) | For those looking to move into supervisory or management roles within the industry. |
Skills Acquired:
- Plan and set out bricklaying or blocklaying work.
- Prepare appropriate materials and industry tools.
- Read and interpret building plans and specifications.
- Carry out measurements and calculations.
- Work safely on-site and from heights.
5. Joinery Apprenticeship
| Certificates to Acquire | Description |
| Certificate III in Joinery (CPC31920) | This is the standard qualification for joiners, covering the making and installing of doors, windows, other custom wooden fixtures, and shop fitting. |
| Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220) | This course builds upon what learners already know and strengthens their skills in the building industry. It’s ideal for those who want to take supervisory roles, develop leadership abilities, manage construction sites, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. |
Skills Acquired:
- Measure and calculate quantities.
- Use professional trade tools and equipment.
- Construct timber external stairs, windows, and door frames.
- Manufacture joinery components.
- Use computer-controlled machinery.
- Apply building codes and standards, legal requirements, and structural principles.
- Prepare building sketches and drawings.
- Perform site surveys to set out a building site.
- Schedule labour and materials.
- Manage project costs, quality, risks, contracts, and contractor performance.
6. Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship
| Certificates to Acquire | Description |
| Certificate III in Painting and Decorating (CPC30620) | This is the standard qualification for painters and decorators, covering techniques for surface preparation, applying finishes, and working with various materials. |
| Certificate III in Surface Preparation and Coating Application (MSM30216) | This course is optional. It helps learners master the skills to prepare metal surfaces of heavy industrial machinery, ships, and infrastructure, using abrasive blast-cleaning techniques and finishing methods. |
| Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) | An ideal course for those with goals to move into supervisory or management roles within the building and construction industry. |
Skills Acquired:
- Prepare different surfaces for painting.
- Apply paint using different types of tools and equipment.
- Apply decorative wallpaper and create textured surfaces.
- Communicate with clients to help them achieve their vision.
- Use abrasive blasting techniques and prepare surfaces (typically metal).
- Apply various protective coating application operations according to technical specifications.
- Use safe and environmentally sustainable work practices.
- Identify and estimate building costs.
- Plan, prepare, read, and interpret building and construction plans, contracts, and specifications.
- Supervise projects.
- Understand and interpret Australian building standards for residential and commercial constructions.
7. Tiling Apprenticeship – we don’t offer this apprenticeship
| Certificates to Acquire | Description |
| Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31320) | The primary qualification for tilers. This course focuses on laying tiles for floors, walls, and other surfaces. It teaches learners to transform spaces in industrial, commercial, and residential settings, and get the practical skills to manage tiling projects from planning to completion. |
| Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) | A certificate that is ideal for those seeking advanced skills and to move into project management or supervisory roles. |
Skills Acquired:
- Interpret plans and prepare surfaces for tiling.
- Carry out measurements and calculations to conduct curve work, volumes, and other wall and floor tiling tasks.
- Master mosaic and patterned tiling techniques.
- Tiling difficult areas like curved surfaces.
- Use a tile cutter to shape tiles to fit basic and complex edges and corners.
- Identify and estimate building costs.
- Plan, prepare, read, and interpret building and construction plans, contracts, and specifications.
- Supervise projects.
- Understand and interpret Australian building standards for residential and commercial constructions.
8. Civil Construction Apprenticeship
| Certificates to Acquire | Description |
| Certificate II in Civil Construction (RII20720) | This course helps learners begin a career as a civil construction labourer. Prepare for future construction projects and workforces and gain the skills to support safe and sustainable infrastructure nationwide. |
| Certificate III in Civil Construction (Timber Bridge Construction and Maintenance) (RII30920) | The qualification for apprentices working on large construction projects such as roads, bridges, and pipelines. |
| Diploma of Civil Construction Design (RII50520) | Work as a civil construction designer, civil or structural draftsperson, site officer, or project manager. This course teaches learners various technical and managerial skills in the civil construction industry. |
Skills Acquired:
- Plan, organise, and lead projects in a team.
- Read and interpret plans and specifications.
- Work safely on a construction site.
- Carry out measurements and calculations, and manual excavations.
- Conduct visual inspections.
- Install and connect timber structures.
- Construct and maintain timber bridges.
- Measure and calculate materials.
- Operate small plant and equipment.
- Manage projects and apply design principles.
- Use the latest industry software and equipment.
- Use surveying concepts effectively.
- Design, draft, and build infrastructure projects.
- Manage the civil works design process and project risks.
- Establish and maintain a quality system, and manage pr
9. Roofing Apprenticeship – we don’t offer this apprenticeship
| Certificates to Acquire | Description |
| Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC30820) | This is a qualification for apprentices working as roof tilers. It covers the installation of roofing materials such as tiles and metal sheets. |
| Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) | A certificate ideal for those who are looking to move into supervisory or management roles within the industry. |
Skills Acquired:
- Tile regular and irregular roof shapes.
- Erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding.
- Work safely on roofs.
- Carry out measurements and calculations.
- Identify and estimate building costs.
- Plan, prepare, read, and interpret building and construction plans, contracts, and specifications.
- Supervise projects.
- Understand and interpret Australian building standards for residential and commercial constructions.
10. Construction Management Apprenticeship
| Certificates to Acquire | Description |
| Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120) | A certificate for experienced builders wanting to move into industry supervisory or management roles. |
| Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50220) | For those pursuing higher-level management roles within the construction industry. |
Skills Acquired:
- Identify and estimate building costs.
- Plan, prepare, read, and interpret building and construction plans, contracts, and specifications.
- Supervise projects.
- Understand and interpret Australian building standards for residential and commercial constructions.
- Prepare building sketches and drawings.
- Perform site surveys to set out a building site.
- Schedule labour and materials.
- Manage project quality, risks, contracts, and contractor performance.
How to Start a Building and Construction Management Apprenticeship
- 1300apprentice connects you to a host employer – Apprenticeships require on-the-job training from a host employer. Plenty of construction companies, contractors, and trade businesses offer hands-on opportunities.
- 1300apprentice enrols you in training at no cost to you – You must complete both practical and theoretical coursework, usually through TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
- Apprenticeship Duration – Depending on the trade, most construction apprenticeships take 3-4 years to complete.
Why Should You Pursue a Building Apprenticeship?
- There are opportunities to earn while you’re learning and gaining valuable industry experience.
- The Australian construction industry is thriving, which means a strong demand for skilled tradies.
- Practical skills and hands-on experience ensure you’re job-ready upon completion.
- Many apprentices progress into supervisory and management positions.
Ready to Start Your Building or Construction Apprenticeship?
1300apprentice connects future tradies with the best building apprenticeship and construction apprenticeship opportunities.
Contact us today or explore our site to browse available apprenticeships.
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