Have you been thinking of starting a career as a Site Supervisor in Queensland, but you aren’t sure what experience or qualifications you need to kickstart a career in the construction industry?
In Queensland, working as a Site Supervisor provides a pathway for industry entrants, as you do not need any building or construction experience. A Site Supervisor licence is essentially a “P plate” builders licence if you are also interested in obtaining a full builders licence in the future.
To begin your construction career, here’s what you need to know before you get started – including which online building courses can potentially help you get there.
1. Site Supervisors in high demand ahead of big-ticket projects in Queensland
There are more than 245,000 construction workers in Queensland, making it the second largest industry in the state, and it is expected to increase to around 300,000 by the end of the decade. Infrastructure work for the Brisbane 2032 summer Olympics, and other big-ticket projects like the Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro will fuel a surge in demand for builders and tradies across the state, and Site Supervisors will be needed to oversee and coordinate the operations of building sites.
2. Site Supervisors can earn up to $110,000 a year
You can potentially earn upwards of $110,000 a year working as a Site Supervisor in Queensland, although you are more likely to start at around $75,000 a year as an entry level Site Supervisor.
Source: SEEK
3. Be the hero for monitoring the progress of construction projects
Working as a Site Supervisor you will monitor the progress of building and construction projects and ensure compliance with work health and safety regulations. You’ll be responsible for assessing hazards and risks and conducting inspections. Site Supervisors help coordinate deliveries of materials and equipment and supervise other employees and subcontractors. Other tasks may include:
• Developing and implementing systems and procedures that enable tradespeople and employees to carry out their tasks in the most efficient way
• Arranging preventative maintenance of machinery as required
• Working closely with senior management and stakeholders to ensure a safe and efficient operations of the site
• Maintaining accurate records
4. Learn a range of skills to forge a successful career
While no experience is required, you will still need a range of skills to forge a successful career as a Site Supervisor in Queensland and apply for your QBCC licence, such as:
• Sound knowledge of building and construction codes and regulations
• Understanding of safety regulations and WHS policies
• Leadership skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and time-management skills
One of the best ways to ensure you meet the technical requirements to apply for your QBCC licence is by studying an online building course, such as the Low Rise Site Supervisor Queensland course. Completing the course will equip you with the relevant skills and knowledge needed to start your career in the building and construction industry in Queensland. You’ll be getting current industry standards training in areas such as:
• Leading team effectiveness
• Planning building or construction work
• Reading and interpreting plans and specifications
• Applying legal requirements to building and construction projects
5. Queensland is the only state that offers this opportunity
Queensland is the only state that offers the Site Supervisor licence. The building and construction industry in Queensland is regulated by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission, who issue builders licences. Their guidelines state you must hold a QBCC Site Supervisor licence to lawfully supervise building work, regardless of whether you are an employee or a contractor.
If you think you’re ready to start your building career in Queensland, you can take a FREE skills assessment now or get in touch with one of our Education Consultants for a free consultation.
Sources: Queensland Treasury, SEEK, QBCC, Talent
