How to Become a Construction Manager: Australian Careers in Building and Construction

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CPC40120

Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)

Give your career in building the best foundation with the CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) from Open Colleges! Designed to help working trades professionals and newcomers to the construction industry become licensed builders without the hassle of full-time classes, this course is delivered entirely online to ensure ultimate flexibility and the freedom to study at your own pace.

The course is designed to give you a solid understanding of building fundamentals and structural principles for residential and commercial low rise construction projects. Learn how to prepare simple building sketches, interpret plans and specs, estimate costs for a range of projects, prepare contracts, plan construction work, select and procure the correct construction materials and conduct on-site supervision of construction works.

The course also covers building codes and standards, WHS protocols on construction sites, and how to comply with legal requirements and resolve business disputes. Upon completion of this course, you will have met the educational requirements needed for registration as a licensed builder in Queensland, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory. NSW Fair Trading, the SA Consumer and Business Services (CBS), the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and Builders Registration Board of WA might evaluate this qualification as part of a broader consideration of your experience and knowledge for registration as a licensed builder. As licensing varies from state to state, there may be extra requirements necessary to register. Please ensure you refer to your state’s licencing requirements.

PLEASE NOTE – Open Colleges is a privately-run RTO, not government-run like a TAFE, so they cannot offer government funding. Please check eligibility requirements before beginning an enrolment with Open Colleges.

Online, Workplace

Online

Construction Manager, Estimator, reContract Administrator, Site Manager, Site Supervisor

Price may vary

12 to 18 months

CPC50220

Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

Take your building career to the next level, and move off the tools into managerial roles by studying this CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) course. Offered by Integrated Care & Management Training Pty Ltd in partnership with Open Colleges, this course is delivered entirely online meaning you can study at your own pace and gain a nationally recognised qualification without any class time.

The program is designed to equip you with the fundamentals needed to excel in construction management and covers key areas such as project management, building codes and standards, contracts, project tenders, cost estimates and sub-contractor management. You will also learn to develop original and creative approaches to eco-friendly design and construction. Your qualification also equips you with the vital industry knowledge, allowing you to work well within work health and safety laws, regulatory frameworks, and complex building industry legislation.

Online, Workplace

Online

Builder, Building Contractor, Building Technician, Construction Manager, Estimator, Foreman, Site Supervisor

Price may vary

Self-paced; max 30 months

CPC40120

Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (VIC only)

If you are working as a tradie or want to, this Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) from Builders Academy Australia could be your first step towards starting your own business and preparing for the builders registration. The course offers a detailed insight into the fundamental building topics that will, combined with your practical work experience allow you to progress in your building career or start your own construction business.

The course can be delivered via either physical (across Victoria) or virtual classroom environments (throughout Australia).

There are 2 separate streams for this course:

Standard Stream: For people with less than 3 years experience – part-time, two nights per week of facilitator-led classes for 45 weeks; OR
Experienced Stream: For people will 3+ years of industry experience – part-time, two nights per week of facilitator-led classes for 38 weeks.

Students may require up to 8 hours per week outside of class to complete additional learning and assessments, but this will vary depending on each learner.

Government Funding is available to eligible individuals in Victoria. Enquire now to find out more.

Classroom, Online

Online, VIC

Construction Manager, Construction Project Manager, Leading Hand, Registered Builder, Site Supervisor

Price may vary

38 - 45 weeks, part-time

CPC50320

Diploma of Building and Construction (Management)

Are you feeling ready to take the next step in your career in the construction industry? Gain the skills you need to aim for a respected, higher-paying position with the Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320) from the College for Adult Learning.

This 100% online course offers a nationally accredited qualification for those aspiring to work in construction management. As well as developing the core knowledge and skills you’ll need for a management role, you’ll also learn how to lead WHS and risk management; create and execute project plans on time and on budget; manage the application of building codes to ensure projects meet standards.

After approximately 12 months of full-time study or 16 – 18 months part-time, you’ll be confident, qualified and ready to transition from working on the tools to running the entire process of a construction job, setting you up for long-term career growth.

Online

Builder, Construction Manager, Construction Worker, Foreman, Site Manager, Site Supervisor

Price may vary

12 months full-time; 16-18 months part-time

BSB50820

Diploma of Project Management (Specialising in Construction)

The Diploma of Project Management (Specialising in Construction) (BSB50820) from The College of Adult Learning is designed to provide graduates with the critical project management skills they need to succeed in planning, managing and delivering projects on time and to budget, with a focus on skills required for the construction industry, including WHS management and preparing contracts.

In this course you will develop skills to:

Manage projects costs and timing to ensure projects are finished on time and to budget
Manage project information to ensure seamless communication across all team members of the project to promote efficiency
Lead WHS and risk management to ensure the workplace is safe and workplace incidents are reduced and or eliminated
Manage the application of building codes to ensure projects meet standards

This diploma course is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM).

Online

Construction Manager, Project Manager, Risk Manager

Price may vary

Full-time approx. 15-17 months; part-time approx. 12 months

CPC50220

Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (VIC only)

NOTE: This course is currently only available to residents of Victoria, Australia.

If you’re now working in construction or as a tradesperson and would like to progress your career and get access to more senior industry roles, then this CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) qualification from Parker Brent could be the ideal course to take.

Aimed at people interested in performing supervisory or management roles in the building industry, the CPC50220 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) from Parker Brent will teach you all you need to know about how to manage contracts and tender documentation, prepare estimates and monitor costing systems, manage sustainability practices and environmental processes, apply site-surveys and set-out procedures, building project management and supervision. By the end of the course, you will have gained all the skills and knowledge required to confidently take on and manage the wide range of tasks involved in residential and commercial low-rise building and construction.

Whilst this course is online-only, you will be required to attend online classes two evenings per week.

Government funding available: this course is a part by the Victorian Government’s Skills First program and eligible students can get a large portion of their fees covered by the government. Enquire now to see if you qualify.

Blended, Workplace

VIC

Builder, Building Contractor, Building Surveyor, Construction Manager, Construction Project Manager, Construction Supervisor, Registered Builder, Site Manager, Site Supervisor

Price may vary

58 weeks part-time

CPC40120

Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (NSW, QLD, ACT only)

If you are working as a tradie or want to, this CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) from Builders Academy Australia could be your first step towards starting your own business and preparing for the builders registration. The course offers a detailed insight into the fundamental building topics that will, combined with your practical work experience allow you to progress in your building career or start your own construction business.

The course can be delivered 100% online via virtual classroom environments (throughout Australia).

There are 2 separate streams for this course:

Standard Stream: For people with less than 3 years experience – part-time, two nights per week of facilitator-led classes for 45 weeks; OR
Experienced Stream: For people will 3+ years of industry experience – part-time, two nights per week of facilitator-led classes for 38 weeks.

Students may require up to 8 hours per week outside of class to complete additional learning and assessments, but this will vary depending on each learner.

Please note that no government funding is available in NSW, QLD or ACT.

Online

ACT, NSW, Online, QLD

Construction Manager, Construction Project Manager, Leading Hand, Registered Builder, Site Supervisor

Price may vary

38 - 45 weeks, part-time

On this page

What is a Construction Manager?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Construction Manager?

The role of a Construction Manager is both dynamic and rewarding, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape the built environment. These professionals are responsible for planning, organising, directing, and coordinating construction projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. With a blend of technical knowledge and leadership skills, Construction Managers play a pivotal role in transforming architectural visions into tangible structures, from residential homes to large-scale commercial developments.

Construction Managers oversee a variety of responsibilities that encompass every phase of a project. They interpret architectural drawings and specifications, coordinate labour resources, and manage the procurement and delivery of materials and equipment. This role requires effective communication and collaboration with architects, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure that all aspects of the project align seamlessly. By negotiating with stakeholders and managing contracts, Construction Managers ensure that projects not only meet client expectations but also adhere to safety and regulatory standards.

Daily tasks for a Construction Manager can vary widely, from preparing tenders and contract bids to implementing coordinated work programs on-site. They are also responsible for monitoring the progress of construction activities, ensuring that quality standards are upheld, and addressing any issues that may arise. This role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a keen eye for detail, as Construction Managers must ensure that all work complies with building legislation and industry standards.

Ultimately, a career as a Construction Manager is not just about overseeing projects; it is about making a lasting impact on communities and the environment. With the construction industry experiencing steady growth, this profession offers a promising career path filled with opportunities for advancement and personal development. For those who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and have a passion for building, becoming a Construction Manager can be a fulfilling and prosperous choice.

Career snapshots For Construction Managers

Construction Managers play a vital role in overseeing and coordinating construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. This profession is essential in the construction industry, which is experiencing steady growth.

Average Age: 41 years
Gender Distribution: 12% female
Average Hours Worked: 47 hours per week
Median Weekly Earnings: $3,691
Unemployment Rate: Low, with a strong demand for skilled professionals
Current Employment: Approximately 131,800 individuals are employed as Construction Managers
Projected Growth: An annual increase of about 6,300 positions is expected in the coming years

This career path not only offers competitive pay but also presents opportunities for advancement and specialisation within the construction sector. As the industry continues to expand, the demand for qualified Construction Managers is likely to remain strong, making it a promising field for those considering a career in construction management.

What will I do?

Construction Managers play a pivotal role in the building and construction industry, overseeing projects from inception to completion. They are responsible for planning, coordinating, and controlling all aspects of construction projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This dynamic role requires a blend of technical knowledge, leadership skills, and effective communication to manage teams and liaise with various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and subcontractors.

Interpreting architectural drawings and specifications – Understanding and translating design documents into actionable plans for construction.
Coordinating labour resources, and procurement and delivery of materials, plant and equipment – Ensuring that the right resources are available at the right time to keep projects on track.
Consulting with Architects, Engineering Professionals and other professionals, and Technical and Trades Workers – Collaborating with various experts to address project requirements and challenges.
Negotiating with building owners, property developers and subcontractors – Securing agreements that align with project goals and budgets.
Preparing tenders and contract bids – Developing competitive proposals to win construction contracts.
Operating and implementing coordinated work programs for sites – Establishing and managing schedules to ensure efficient workflow on construction sites.
Ensuring adherence to building legislation and standards of performance, quality, cost and safety – Monitoring compliance with regulations and industry standards to maintain safety and quality.
Arranging submission of plans to local authorities – Facilitating the approval process for construction plans and permits.
Building under contract, or subcontracting specialised building services – Managing contracts and subcontractors to ensure project specifications are met.
Overseeing the standard and progress of subcontractors’ work – Monitoring subcontractor performance to ensure quality and timeliness.
Arranging building inspections by local authorities – Coordinating inspections to verify compliance with building codes and regulations.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Construction Manager requires a diverse set of skills that blend technical knowledge with strong leadership capabilities. Key skills include the ability to interpret architectural drawings and specifications, which is essential for overseeing construction projects effectively. Additionally, Construction Managers must excel in coordinating labour resources and managing the procurement and delivery of materials, plant, and equipment. Strong negotiation skills are also vital, as they often liaise with building owners, property developers, and subcontractors to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

Moreover, a successful Construction Manager must possess excellent organisational skills to implement coordinated work programs and ensure compliance with building legislation and safety standards. Effective communication is crucial, as they consult with architects, engineers, and trades workers throughout the construction process. With a median age of 41 and a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field, aspiring Construction Managers can benefit from targeted education and training to develop these essential skills and advance their careers in the construction industry.

Skills/attributes

Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
Proficiency in project management software
Understanding of construction methods and materials
Ability to interpret architectural drawings and specifications
Knowledge of building codes and regulations
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Financial acumen for budgeting and cost control
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
Attention to detail and commitment to quality
Strong organisational skills
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Knowledge of health and safety regulations
Experience in risk management and mitigation strategies
Ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers

Resources

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QLD

VIC

ACT

TAS

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How to Become a Construction Manager: Australian Careers in Building and Construction

What is a Construction Manager?

Career snapshots For Construction Managers

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Skills/attributes

Resources

Career Outcomes