18 Apr 2021

It isn’t a prerequisite for your modern day construction worker to have a plumber's crack, wear high-vis or drive a Toyota Hilux.

They might still get a servo pie and choccy milk for lunch (we know we would), but here are some things we typically get wrong about the good ole construction industry.

It’s not all tradies

While construction does include your more well-known trades like electricians, carpenters and plumbers there are other jobs out there that don’t fit into the traditional images of the industry.

There are actually over 70 different possible careers within the industry! Beyond your traditional trades, there are also a range of white-collar jobs called paraprofessional roles. From architects, drafters, construction managers to civil engineers and even interior designers. With the right qualifications, you could find yourself in business, supervisory or even project manager roles and earning the big bucks!

Ladies can be tradies too

Just like the construction industry isn’t just made up of tradies, it also isn’t reserved for tough Aussie blokes.

In fact, popular construction trades like electrical, carpentry and plumbing and white-collar roles are rising in popularity amongst women. Women who are in construction are over twice as likely to own and run their own business than women not in construction.

Women can get into any area of construction their heart desires - and so they should. You can get inspired by some of em in our new-print of construction modules. Yeah the girls!

The pay is superb

Too often we’re told the only way to a high paying job is through uni, but you’ve been bamboozled (or straight up lied to). Hold onto your hard hats as we debunk this myth.

Construction workers actually have some of the highest paying jobs out there. Construction managers and general foremen who have the potential to earn between a whopping $147,000 to $196,000 per year. Crikey, that’s dangerous.

Most jobs in construction can have you earning some very decent dosh. Plumbers and electricians actually charge more than lawyers do. What the damn heck?!!! They can earn between $70 and $80 per hour on average, compared to the $37 charged by a lawyer. Other white-collar workers in the industry also earn on average $60 per hour, but charge anywhere from $50 to $250 per hour depending on experience.

Construction workers are actually extremely skilled

People who work in the construction industry have always copped a fair bit of flak, often dubbed ‘dropouts’ or ‘dropkicks’.

But construction isn’t a backup option. It’s a career for the high achievers, the students who got a high ATAR, the kids who didn’t get an ATAR and the creatives.

No matter what area of construction you work in, you’ll actually need a high level of skills in areas like maths, communication, critical thinking, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Construction uses modern technology

So, there are blue and white-collar gigs for absolutely anyone who sets their sights on it. But there’s also the new collar. It includes those jobs of the future where you can wear some rad VR glasses and work with robots.

Modern tech is becoming the standard for modern, efficient work in construction. So, if you reckon you’re a technological wizard, then construction may be right up your alley. AR, VR and 3D computer modelling are all being used right now for projects of all sizes. Drones and advanced robotics have also made their sweet debut too. Pretty swifty.

If you want to know more or reckon you’re ready to suss out a career in construction, check out new-print of construction, the construction program we put together with our mates over at CSQ to break down what you thought you knew about construction and everything you need to know to nail a career in the industry!

Better yet, year 13 are giving away $1000 cash prize to a lucky duck who finishes the New-print Of Construction program. Suss it out over here.

What are ya waiting for? $1,000 is calling your name so get crackin’!
 

Promotion opens 19/4/2021 at 12.01am aedt and closes 19/4/2022 at 11.59pm aedt.  Entry is open to all australian residents aged 15 years or over. During the promotion period: visit the year 13 site at https://year13.com.au/academy/CSQ and register for a myyear13 account; complete all four modules; and successfully complete the quiz element at the end of every module. Entry is automatic once all four modules’ assessments have been complete.. the prize consists of $1,000 cash (total prize pool $4,000).

Prize draw will take place at 84 Alexander Street, Crows Nest NSW;

Draw 1 on 19/7/2021 for entries received from 19/4/2021 to 18/7/2021;
Draw 2 on 19/10/2021 for entries received from 19/7/2021 to 18/10/2021;
Draw 3 on 19/1/2022 for entries received from 19/10/2021 to 18/1/2022;
Draw 4 on 19/4/2022 for entries received from 19/1/2022 to 18/4/2022.
Winner notified in writing on within 3 business days of each draw and their name published on https://year13.com.au/academy/CSQ

For full terms and conditions, visit https://year13.com.au/articles/year13-new-print-of-construction-terms-conditions

The promoter is Year13 Pty Ltd ABN 93606583706