Becoming a licensed builder can open up a world of exciting career opportunities 

The building and construction industry is one of the largest industries in Australia, and there’s a high demand for skilled workers. As a licensed builder, you’ll have the flexibility to work for yourself as an independent contractor, join a building company or construction firm, or even start your own building company from scratch.

Right now, there’s a growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. This has created a new niche in the industry for builders who specialise in green building techniques. By becoming a licensed builder with a focus on green building, you can take advantage of this growing demand and position yourself as an expert in this area.

Commercial and industrial building projects also require a high level of expertise, so there’s a high demand for builders who specialise in these areas. As a licensed builder, you can position yourself as a specialist in this field and take on exciting projects that challenge you and help you grow your skills.

As you gain experience and the right qualifications, you can progress to more senior roles such as construction project manager or site manager. These roles involve overseeing larger projects and managing teams of builders and tradespeople.

The earning potential for licensed builders can be significant, with many builders earning six-figure salaries. Your salary will depend on a range of factors such as your experience, qualifications, and the area you work in.

If you’re interested in getting your trade licence, there’s a few things you know first.

  1. You’ll need to a White Card

To work on a construction site in Australia, you’ll need what’s called a White Card. This identifies that you’ve passed a nationally recognised training course for the construction industry as part of the Australian Government’s Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

  1. You have to be Licenced to Work as a Builder in Australia

If you want to work as a builder in the construction industry, you need to obtain a builder’s licence. Without one, you won’t be able to carry out any building work, submit bids or quotes on jobs, sign building contracts, or perform any building work in your personal capacity. Unlicensed individuals who are found to contravene the law will receive significant penalties or fines, and – depending on the state – will not be eligible to apply for a licence in the future under any circumstances.

  1. Licensing requirements can vary from state to state

Each state and territory in Australia has different requirements for obtaining a builder’s licence. Generally, you will need to complete a vocational qualification and have on-the-job experience.

Most require certain qualifications, or completion of certain units within the following qualifications:

  1. Obtaining a builder’s licence can be lengthy 

For individuals who are already working within the industry and have gained a wealth of experience and practical skills, obtaining a builder’s licence can be a lengthy process. If you can’t demonstrate your skills, you may have to undertake additional study or practical experience in a workshop setting, to obtain your qualifications.

  1. Certifying your skills through RPL is a cost-effective option

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a cost-effective way for experienced builders to obtain a builder’s licence, depending on your state. RPL allows you to use your existing skills and experience as evidence to prove your competency against the units within the target qualification. The RPL process typically requires no classroom attendance or exams, and it gives you the opportunity to become eligible for the qualification you deserve.

At Skills Certified, we can match you with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that can give you the qualifications you need to get your trade licence. We can also help you collect evidence to support your skills and knowledge, and guide you through the RPL process.

Our team of experts can help identify any knowledge or skill gaps you may have, and help you get access to additional training to fill those gaps. We’re committed to helping you achieve your goals and succeed in your career as a licensed builder.

Take our Skills Certified 60-second skills test today to get started on your journey to becoming a licensed builder. With our help, you can achieve your dreams and take your career to the next level.