How to get a job in construction in Australia / NZ this summer

Sep 19, 2022

Man wearing fluro vest and blue helmet looking at the camera Snapping up a construction job over summer – whether you do it in Australia or New Zealand – is something a lot of trades people look forward to. What’s not to love: you’re usually outdoors, your job doubles as a daily workout, the work itself can be rewarding – and you’re often paid pretty decent money.

Even better, the industry is booming – with the Australian construction industry tipped to grow 10.6 percent in 2022, while 10.8 percent growth is expected in New Zealand. So, there couldn’t be a better time to put your hand up for a job in construction.

However, there are a few things you need to know before you secure work. Here’s our essential construction job checklist.

1. Check that you’ve got the documentation

In Australia, you’ll need what’s known as the White Card – it’s a legal requirement for anyone working in the construction industry, whether you’re a labourer, trainee or apprentice, or licensed tradesperson. 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.

2. Invest in the right construction gear

As part of your training for a white card in either Australia or NZ, you may need to show you have purchased the necessary gear to walk into a job in construction.

This equipment may be known as PPE, or ‘personal protective equipment’ – something we all became very familiar with during the pandemic!

In construction terms, though, it usually refers to a warning jacket, safety boots and a helmet – and depending on the work site / environment, you might also need to buy hearing protection and goggles.

In Australia, you can buy all of this equipment at Bunnings, Kmart or via online marketplaces such as Facebook. In New Zealand, pick up PPE at NZ Safety Blackwoods, Construction Products or 3M.

3. Figure out what type of construction jobs you want to apply for

Perhaps you’re a skilled tradesperson such as an electrician, carpenter, plumber, paver etc. If you have the right licenses and qualifications, you can often walk into decent high-paying construction jobs.

If you don’t have experience or qualifications, you can apply for construction jobs in Australia and New Zealand which call for unskilled labourers, construction site cleaners, or traffic controllers.

You can work out the fair pay for the role you’re going for with this pay calculator.

4. Find and apply for construction jobs (in the right place!)

There are lots of ways to pick up a job in construction – whether you rely on mates working in the industry and giving you a tip-off, keep track of jobs on social networks or use a more formal process such as a job agency.

Specialist recruitment agencies (like Frontline Recruitment Group) can help you find construction jobs in Australia or New Zealand – and under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, citizens from either country can enter each other’s country to visit, live and work indefinitely, without the need to get a visa.