As a Builder, you will plan, organise, direct, control and coordinate the construction, alteration and renovation of buildings, and the physical and human resources involved in building and construction.

Builders play a critical role in ensuring the built environment is constructed to energy efficiency and sustainability standards, such as the National Construction Code. Builders are key decision makers responsible for managing trades, communicating with relevant stakeholders and controlling work quality to ensure design specifications are met.  

• Business operations and financial activities 
• Cleaning and maintenance 
• Construction 
• Customer service 
• Environmental management 
• Human resources 
• Operating procedures and processes 
• Records, documentation, reports and research 
• Safety and hazard management 
• Work activities preparation 

More information can be found in the Australian Skills Classification’s Construction Manager occupation profile.  

To become a Builder managing small to medium projects, you must complete a Certificate IV in Building and Construction, which is usually combined with an apprenticeship. Builders are also required to maintain appropriate licenses and registrations in the state or territory in which they operate. 

A Diploma of Building and Construction will enable you to work as a senior construction manager within larger building and construction fims. A Bachelor of Construction Management will also provide a pathway into a construction management role. Training is supplemented with an internship, and covers both residential building and civil construction projects.  

You will need a construction induction card (white card) from a registered training organisation in your state or territory. 

Builders can increase their knowledge in sustainable construction by becoming a GreenSmart Professional. Career development pathways are offered by the Housing Industry Association (HIA); or accredited Green Builder through MBAV. 

Builders who want to add the energy assessor competency to their skillset, and provide assessments under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS), or the Residential Efficiency Scorecard (RES) scheme, will need to complete a Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability.

Builders labourers who have completed formal qualifications via the Certificate II in Construction can upskill to become a builder with a Certificate IV in Building and Construction. Progression is possible as a site manager, supervisor and foreman. 

Builders with a Certificate IV in Building and Construction, can upskill to a Diploma or degree to manage larger construction projects or become project managers or construction managers.

Your current skills could be transferable for this role. Read more about what Builders do at yourcareer.gov.au.