6 things you must do to get a job in construction in Australia / New Zealand

The construction industry is typically quiet over the Christmas period, but starts to come back to life in mid-January, making it a great time to look for construction jobs.

Here are the six things you need to sort out in order to find work.

1. Apply for a tax file number

If you’re looking for work in Australia, first thing’s first: you’ll need a tax file number – otherwise you could end up paying too much tax. Here’s how to apply for one depending on your specific circumstances.

It’s also a good idea to be aware of the income you need to report in your tax, and what you can claim on expenses. Keeping reports of your income and expenses is also important. There’s lots more info about all of this on the ATO website or an accountant can advise you.

If you’re looking for construction jobs in New Zealand, the equivalent of a tax file number is the IRD number – here’s how to apply for one.

2. Make sure you have your white card

The White card is a legal requirement for anyone working in construction jobs – whether you’re an apprentice or a licensed tradie. Here’s all the info on how to get yours.

To get your White Card, you need to undergo the training, which covers safe work practices, risk management, personal protection, safety signs, accident prevention, plus workplace injury management and the workers compensation system.

In New Zealand, the ‘construction safety passport’ is also called a White Card or a NZQA Unit Standard 497 qualification, and it shows you’re familiar with most workplace health and safety requirements. There’s info here on how to get one.

3. Make sure you have your trade tickets, if required

Construction jobs may require what are known as trade tickets (which may be separate to the white card (general construction induction training) we mentioned above.

Some of these include:

• A Confined Space Entry ticket – for those working in confined or partially closed spaces
• A Working at Heights ticket – if, say your work involved being in a high-rise building site
• An Elevated Work Platforms ticket (two classes – under 11m and over 11m)
• An Asbestos Removal Ticket (various classes available)
• A High-Risk Work License (include crane licenses, forklift licenses and pressure equipment licenses

You’ll find more info on high risk work licenses here.

4. If you’re from overseas do a conversion course

If you have a trade but are from overseas, and are travelling to Australia to work in construction, you may need to do a course or demonstrate that you have the skills / knowledge to get a license or certificate. Similar regulations may be in place in NZ.

Once you have the appropriate documentation you should be able to apply for jobs and practice your trade (fully licensed) here. Find out more about proving your skills here.

5. Be sure you have the relevant PPE

You’ve got the documentation and you’re ready to jump feet first into a construction job – but not so fast. Do you own personal protective equipment (PPE)? It’s compulsory to have it if you want to enter any construction site in NSW, for example. (In NZ, some companies might supply their own PPE.)

Your kit may require steel toe cap boots, hard hats and a high-visibility shirt. Certain construction sites might also require protective glasses or goggles and gloves. You can buy PPE from Kmart, Paddy’s Market and Bunnings. Chat to your employer to find out what you’ll need before hitting the shops.

6. Create a resume that shows your skills and experience

While some builders may take on labourers on word of mouth, it’s not going to get you far in the construction industry – you’re going to need a resume to show employers your skills and experience, plus an overview of your work history. Any positive references will be a bonus!

We know; you’re more adept on the tools than on the computer, right? But there are companies out there who can help you create a resume or you’ll find lots of Word templates online that you can modify and save as a pdf to give to prospective employers.

How can recruitment agencies help you find construction jobs?

If you’re struggling to find jobs in your area, it’s a great idea to familiarise yourself with a few job agencies that specialise in the construction industry, like us!

Registering with these agencies (register for job alerts here) will put you on their radar and they can get in touch with you when relevant opportunities become available. Good luck!

If you’d like more advice about looking for jobs in the construction sector, get in touch with a Construction recruitment specialist in your local area – we’d be happy to chat to you about your needs.