For travellers, school-leavers or anyone just entering the workforce, construction and trade labouring jobs are a great way to earn good money and don’t require years of experience.
The construction industry is one of the largest employers in Australia, accounting for an 8.7% share of the workforce. Over the past five years, the construction sector in Australia has grown by 7.3% and with projected growth of 6.8% by 2025, now is the perfect time to enter the industry.
In this blog, we have pulled together a few tips that will help you stand out from other applicants and ensure you can get your first construction job with no experience.
Work Hard and Be Reliable
Proving a willingness and ability to work hard will give you a huge advantage in landing the construction and labouring jobs you’re looking for. When applying to roles, make sure to emphasise this quality in yourself, either in your CV or during interviews by giving examples of where you have demonstrated it in the past.
It’s also a good idea to mention your reliability and eye for detail on your CV but it is more important to demonstrate them. Being prepared and on time for any phone or in-person interviews is essential but you can also improve your chances by doing some initial research beforehand about the company you are applying to, the kinds of work they do and what it is about them that interests you.
Doing this will show your commitment to the hiring process, whilst your interest and knowledge will set you apart as a potential employee and demonstrate an eye for detail that others might not possess.
Get a White Card
As well as showing desirable qualities, there are several practical steps you can take to give yourself the best chance at landing a labouring job. The White Card course is a 6-hour course that can be taken either in-person or online, depending on the state you live in, and covers the different responsibilities, workplace hazards, emergencies and PPE requirements for construction sites.
Once you complete the course you will be issued a physical card that certifies your knowledge of these areas and proves to employers that you are aware of the risks and responsibilities involved in construction work.
Buy Your Own PPE
All labourer jobs will require you to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) on-site. Ensuring you own the correct equipment is essential to securing work as a labourer.
Purchasing your own PPE is an excellent way to show employers that you are ready and willing to work and will greatly improve your chances of securing a labouring job.
Standard PPE for the construction industry includes a hard hat, dust mask, earplugs/ear muffs, high vis vest and safety goggles, and can be purchased online from a number of workwear suppliers.
Summary
With so many construction projects underway in Australia, employers are always looking for capable entry-level workers to bring onboard. Obtaining a white card, purchasing your own PPE and demonstrating reliability and a willingness to work hard are crucial steps to securing a labourer job with no experience.
With offices in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, YourTrades are one of Queensland’s leading construction recruitment agencies. If you are looking to make your start in the construction industry and want to know how we can help, get in touch today and help us find the right trade for you.
