What skills and personal qualities do I need?

Be assertive and mature, with a high level of communication & negotiation skills

Have excellent time management and organisational skills

Have a professional, organised approach to work and can multitask

Enjoy working with other people and as part of a team

The ability to analyse and troubleshoot information

Have strong maths and literacy skills

Have a strong awareness of safety issues

Be resourceful

Average PayBetween

$2,000 - $3,450 per week, depending on your qualifications, experience and the company / jobs you are completing. (Source: Job Outlook)

Career Profile:

Construction Manager

cfc@ctf.wa.gov.au Information was sourced from Department of Education, Skills and Employment Job Outlook website. The information provided is only to be used as a guide

What would my working day look like?Some of the tasks you may complete are:

Work with other managers, supervisors and subcontractors to deliver quality construction services

Provide technical support

Manage and monitor project plans, budgets and timeframes

Liaise with clients, site personnel, office staff and suppliers

Schedule job flow programs and oversee sub-contractors’ work

Inspect sites during the construction process ensuring building standards and legislation is being met

Supervise and manage site supervisors and their workload

Work to a deadline

 I might enjoy this job if: I like taking on and enjoy being in leadership roles

I enjoy building things

I am good at Maths, English, Design and Technology and manual studies such as woodwork

I like to start and complete projects, paying careful attention to detail and accuracy

I handle stress and stressful situations with a level head and can meet deadlines

Working conditions and hoursYour work will be consistently busy but will vary from day to day, with a blend of site visits and office work. Construction Managers make use of technology to keep them in touch with a range of different information sources. You can expect to have a smartphone, tablet and other methods of connectivity at hand wherever you are during the day. You will generally work full-time (generally 45 hours per week).

How do I become a Construction Manager?Most construction managers hold a vocational qualification at a minimum of Certificate III or IV and a white card to go onto a construction site, along with several years of experience as a tradesperson or para-professional. You may also need to complete a Diploma in Building and Construction – Building/ Management or a degree in construction management so that you can oversee a project and liaise with tradespeople and clients.

If you are still at school or you are post-secondary schooling and don’t have any experience in the industry, you can enrol in the Certificate II in Building and Construction-Trades pathway to become a tradesperson or Certificate II in Building and Construction– Paraprofessional (Business) for non-trades-based areas to get started. Otherwise, you may like to complete a Certificate III trades qualification as an apprenticeship, which usually takes 24-48 months to complete. For non-trades-based areas you will need to complete a minimum Certificate III or IV in the area you want to specialise in (e.g. draftsperson, surveying and spatial information, business administration or project management).

Future pathways and opportunitiesYour skills and experience as a Construction Manager can put you on a pathway to becoming a member of the senior leadership team within a construction company, working on large construction projects or the leader of your own company.

You may like to complete further study which could lead you to become a General Manager of a large building company.

Construction Managers work closely with Site Supervisors, subcontractors, office staff and suppliers. They provide technical support and advice to ensure that client's requirements are met in accord with building standards, budgets and timeframes.

Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Providers – www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

The Good Universities Guide – www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au

Job Outlook – www.joboutlook.gov.au

Next StepsFurther information can be found at:

Jobs and Skills WA – www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au

Australian Apprenticeship Pathways – www.aapathways.com.au