Published: 6th January 2022.
Written by Jodie Magrath
Get prepared for a busy career in the booming building industry with a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building). This qualification will allow you to apply for a Builder’s Licence and develop your skills with planning and carrying out building and construction work. Whether you plan to work on residential projects or larger commercial jobs, this course will give you the skills and knowledge to succeed.
The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) covers a range of topics to prepare you for various roles in the building and construction industry. You’ll learn to estimate costs for construction projects and prepare building contracts. The Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) explores occupational health and safety in the construction workplace and looks at applying building codes and standards to the building process. You’ll also learn to manage small business finances.
A Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) is an ideal course of study for the following careers:
Building Estimator
A Building Estimator projects costs for construction projects. You’ll look at a range of factors including labour hire, building materials and hire of construction equipment. Building Estimators work with building plans to come up with their estimates and also take into account other factors such as industry regulations, timeframes and land survey results.
Construction Project Manager
A Construction Project Manager coordinates building projects to make sure they are of a high standard and meet all industry regulations. You’ll make sure construction is progressing on time and the project will be completed within deadline. Construction Project Managers also keep an eye on costs so building work comes in within budget. You may have to organise project requirements such as materials, labour or equipment.
Site Foreman
A Site Foreman oversees work on a building site. You’ll ensure construction meets all industry regulations and work is carried out safely. A Site Foreman makes sure building projects are progressing on time and construction is carried out according to plans. You’ll supervise all staff on site and make sure they hold the required licences and tickets. You’ll make sure construction is of a high standard and organise things such as contractors, materials and inspections.
Higher education pathways
A Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) is an excellent qualification for work in the building and construction industry. You might decide to advance your skills with a Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) or a Diploma of Project Management (Specialising in Construction). You could also specialise you skills with an Advanced Diploma of Building Information Modelling (BIM), Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying or an Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural).
If you choose to take your studies further, you could enrol in a university degree such as a Bachelor of Construction Management or a Bachelor of Building Design. This will expand your career opportunities and increase your knowledge of the construction industry. A university degree may allow you to take on a position with more responsibility. You may be able to use a Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) as a pathway to these courses.
Getting started
If you’re considering enrolling in a Certificate IV in Building and Construction, it’s important you request information from a range of course providers. Providers often vary in the way they deliver their qualifications, so make sure you find out about the duration of the course, costs, any prerequisites and the content the course will cover. Once you have all the information you can compare details and find the course that best meets your needs.