If you’ve been thinking about a career in construction but don’t know where to start, you’re certainly not alone.
At the Building & Construction Foundation, we’ve supported people from a wide range of backgrounds to start careers in construction. One of the questions we’re asked most often is, “Can I get into construction if I have no experience?” The short answer is yes.
Whether you’re starting your first career or looking for a fresh start, construction offers a range of opportunities for people with little or no experience.
You don’t need to know everything before you get started, but taking a few practical steps can make the process much easier. This guide will walk you through those steps and the training, organisations and support available.
Quick Answer:
To get into construction with no experience, you should explore different career pathways, obtain a White Card if required, consider relevant training and supports, prepare a strong resume and apply through employers, Group Training Organisations and support services. These steps will help you build the skills, knowledge and connections needed to start your career.
Step 1: Explore the Different Career Pathways
Before applying for jobs or enrolling in courses, spend some time learning about the different careers available in construction.
The construction industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, with pathways to suit different interests, skills and experience levels. These include skilled trades, site support roles, and professional or technical careers, each with different entry requirements and qualifications. Examples include:
Skilled Trades
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Bricklayer
- Painter
Site Support Roles
- Trades Assistant
- Labourer
Professional and Technical Roles
- Construction Manager
- Estimator
- Safety Advisor
- Project Manager
If you’re looking to get into construction with no experience, site support roles and skilled trades are often the most accessible starting points. The rest of this guide focuses on these pathways and the practical steps you can take to begin your career.
To help narrow down your options, industry organisations, TAFEs, employers and careers expos can all provide valuable information about different construction careers and training pathways.
Women considering a career in construction may also find our guides on Why Construction Is for Women at Any Age and The Fastest-Growing Construction Jobs for Women in Victoria helpful for exploring the most popular career pathways available.
Step 2: Get Your White Card
Before you can work on most construction sites in Victoria, you’ll need a White Card.
A White Card is evidence that you’ve successfully completed the required general construction induction training. The training provides the basic health and safety knowledge needed to work safely in the construction industry.
In Victoria, White Card training must be completed face-to-face through a WorkSafe Victoria approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The course runs for a minimum of six hours and must include the nationally recognised unit of competency for general construction induction training.
Before enrolling, check that the course is delivered by an approved provider, is relevant to the type of work you’re pursuing, and whether your employer, apprenticeship provider or a support program may be able to assist with the cost. This can help you avoid paying for training you may not need or enrolling in a course that doesn’t meet Victorian requirements.
For the latest information on White Card requirements and approved training providers, visit the WorkSafe Victoria White Card information page.
Step 3: Boost Your Employability with Additional Tickets
A White Card is the minimum requirement for most construction sites. Any additional qualifications depend on the trade, employer and type of work you’re pursuing.
Training requirements vary between construction trades, so there isn’t a standard set of additional tickets everyone should obtain before applying for work.
Before paying for any additional training, check with your prospective employer, apprenticeship provider or training organisation to understand what qualifications, if any, are relevant for your chosen trade or career pathway. These could include training such as First Aid or Working Safely at Heights, depending on the trade or role you’re pursuing.
However, employers will often help arrange any additional training required once you’ve secured a role.
Step 4: Consider a Pre-apprenticeship
A pre-apprenticeship can be a great way to build confidence before applying for an apprenticeship, but it’s not a requirement for every trade or employer.
Many pre-apprenticeships are delivered as a Certificate II qualification for people with little or no industry experience.
They combine classroom learning with practical, hands-on training, giving you the opportunity to develop basic skills while learning what it’s like to work in your chosen trade.
Depending on the course and training provider, a pre-apprenticeship may run full-time or part-time over several weeks or months.
During the course, you may learn:
- How to safely use hand and power tools
- Basic construction techniques
- Reading plans and measurements
- Workplace health and safety
- Industry expectations and workplace behaviours
Some employers view a pre-apprenticeship positively because it demonstrates your commitment to the industry and builds practical skills. While it’s not required for every trade or employer, it can strengthen your job applications.
You can explore construction pre-apprenticeships and Certificate II courses through your local TAFE or training provider. If you’re based in Victoria, the Victorian Skills Gateway is a great place to compare courses and providers.
Step 5: Consider an Entry-Level Construction Role
If you’re finding it difficult to secure an apprenticeship straight away, consider applying for entry-level construction roles while continuing your search.
Two of the most common entry points into the industry are Trades Assistant and Construction Labourer roles. These roles can help you create a pathway, by building site experience and employer relationships.
Trades Assistant
A Trades Assistant works alongside qualified tradespeople, helping with day-to-day tasks while learning the trade. Duties may include preparing materials, using basic tools, assisting with installations and keeping the worksite organised.
Working as a Trades Assistant helps you gain experience, build employer relationships and demonstrate your attitude and willingness to learn.
Construction Labourer
Labourers perform a wide range of general duties across building and civil construction sites. This might include site preparation, moving materials, keeping worksites clean, assisting multiple trades and supporting the day-to-day running of a project.
While labouring isn’t tied to one specific trade like a Trades Assistant role, it provides valuable site experience, practical skills and industry connections that can lead to future employment.
Both roles provide valuable site experience and can strengthen your resume while demonstrating your commitment to a career in construction. Although they don’t replace a formal apprenticeship or the training required for a skilled trade, they can be valuable stepping stones towards one.
Step 6: Create a Resume That Highlights Your Potential
The truth is that employers hiring entry-level workers aren’t expecting years of industry experience. Instead, they’re looking for people who are reliable, motivated and ready to learn.
Your resume should highlight transferable skills you’ve developed through previous jobs, volunteering, study or sport, as well as any qualifications, licences or relevant training you have completed. Include your availability and a brief statement about why you want to work in construction.
Keep your resume clear, easy to read and no more than two pages long. Employers often spend less than a minute reviewing applications, so make your resume easy to scan.
Step 7: Be Ready to Start
Once you begin applying for jobs, employers may ask you to start with little notice. Being prepared puts you in a better position to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
If your budget allows, consider purchasing some basic personal protective equipment (PPE), such as steel-capped boots and a high-visibility shirt. Depending on the role you’re applying for, you may also choose to invest in a small set of basic hand tools.
Before purchasing any items, check what your employer or training provider will supply, what safety standards apply, and what equipment is genuinely required for your role.
If purchasing PPE or tools is a financial barrier, don’t let that stop you. If you’re eligible, the Building & Construction Foundation may be able to provide financial and practical support through selected programs. This may include approved training, work-related items and other practical assistance to help you begin your construction career.
Step 8: Explore Employment Opportunities
There are a number of different pathways into construction, so it’s worth exploring more than one to maximise your chances of success. Apprenticeships Victoria is a useful starting point for information about apprenticeships, traineeships and support available in Victoria.
Group Training Organisations (GTOs)
A Group Training Organisation employs apprentices and trainees before placing them with one or more host employers throughout their apprenticeship.
This can be a great option for people entering the industry, as many GTOs provide ongoing support while you build your skills and experience.
There are a number of GTOs operating across Victoria, such as AGA and Sheforce, so be sure to explore a few to find one that’s the right fit.
Workforce Australia and Employment Services
Workforce Australia is a good place to search for apprenticeship and entry-level jobs. Employment consultants may also be able to help you prepare your resume, identify suitable training opportunities and connect you with employers.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship, Apprentice Connect Australia Providers can also help you understand how apprenticeships work, explain the support available and connect you with employers and training providers.
Apply Directly to Employers
Many construction companies advertise apprenticeships, traineeships and entry-level jobs directly through their websites, careers pages and online job platforms such as Indeed and Seek.
Step 9: Build Your Industry Network
While many construction roles are advertised online, others are filled through recommendations, referrals and industry connections.
Building your network doesn’t have to be complicated. You could:
- Attend careers expos and industry events
- Visit TAFE open days
- Speak with local builders and contractors
- Connect with Group Training Organisations
- Follow construction companies on social media and keep an eye on their careers pages
- Let friends and family know you’re looking for opportunities
Keep applying, follow up where appropriate and continue building your network. Persistence, combined with a positive attitude and willingness to learn, can improve your chances of securing your first opportunity in construction.
Read the Foundation’s Real Stories to see how people from a range of backgrounds have built successful careers in construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to get into construction?
No. Many people begin a career in construction with little or no previous experience. Employers hiring entry-level workers are often looking for reliability, motivation and a willingness to learn.
Do I need a White Card?
If you will be carrying out construction work, yes. In Victoria, you must complete general construction induction training and hold a White Card before undertaking construction work. Some office-based or non-construction roles may not require one, so check the requirements of the role.
Is a pre-apprenticeship compulsory?
No. A pre-apprenticeship can help you build practical skills and strengthen your job applications, but it’s not required for every trade or employer. Some people secure apprenticeships without completing one.
Am I too old to start a career in construction?
Not at all. People enter the construction industry at many different stages of life, whether they’re changing careers or returning to the workforce. Your willingness to learn and commitment are often more important than your age.
Need Assistance Getting Started?
Every tradesperson, apprentice and construction professional started somewhere. The important thing is taking the first step.
You don’t have to do it alone. The Building & Construction Foundation helps eligible people experiencing financial and other barriers access education, training, and employment pathways in construction. Through selected programs, support may include the cost of approved training, work-related items, and practical assistance.
Our Building Women’s Careers program specifically supports eligible women to pursue construction employment pathways. This includes financial and practical support, employment pathway assistance and, where appropriate and available, connections with employers and industry partners. While employment is a specific objective of the program, employment, placement, and mentor connections cannot be guaranteed. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us to find out whether you’re eligible for support.
