Builder (Professional)

So, you want to be a Builder?

Here’s what you need.

• Excellent communication skills
• Good management and organisational skills
• Good financial management skills
• Technical skills relevant to the building industry

What do builders do?

A builder is a manager. The builder may be on the tools but is more likely to be managing the construction of the building and supervising tradies. Builders need to be able to communicate to customers, government authorities, suppliers and trade supplier. Builders need to be able to accurately cost materials and labour for the construction so that quotes and tenders can be prepared. The builder organises everything from designs and plans, estimation of costs and ordering materials, through the entire construction process and then on to the handover of the building to the customer.

How do I become a Builder?

A builder usually becomes qualified by first completing a trade in the construction industry. To become a licenced builder, you will also need to do some further education. A certificate IV in building is the minimum requirement but you must also prove that you have sufficient experience in the building industry to gain your builders’ licence.

What Next?

Once you get your builders licence, the options are endless. You can tender quotes to larger builders to conduct commercial or government work. You may want to start your own business hiring or sub-contracting trades to build for customers or you may even want to get some further education such as a bachelor of construction and start a commercial construction company.