Is It Worth Completing a Certificate IV in Building and Construction?

Falconjack on 09/01/2022 - 13:35

As you may see from my recent post, I'm looking for a career change and I am interested in property. I'm thinking of heading into building, with a view to starting a construction company that specialises in building modern, energy efficient homes, and also renovating older homes to the same standard.
I have no experience in building, so would like to get some insight from others on here before I take the next step of signing up for a Certificate IV in Building and Construction.

How's the industry today? What challenges does it face today (e.g. dealing with subcontractors, council approvals, clients, loans etc.) ?
Does the Cert give you good education? Any recommended colleges to do it through?

Education & Work

Comments

  • singlemalt72 on 09/01/2022 - 13:48
    +1

    My wife completed both the Cert IV in building and construction and Project Management now project manages industrial construction jobs for a local firm (rural NSW).

    Covid did cause a big slowdown, but it is picking up again now. Her major challenges are sourcing subvcontractors in short timeframes to tender on large jobs when most builders here are booked solid for 12 months.

    • Falconjack on 09/01/2022 - 15:18

      Good on your misses! Smart move.
      Also, thanks for sharing the icky bits - meeting deadlines and securing quality subcontractors, esp with covid.

  • Hithere on 09/01/2022 - 14:47
    -1

    Will a Certificate IV in Building and Construction help you in becoming a real estate agent OP?

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/675629

    Figure out what you want to do first and then look at upskilling or obtaining certificates.

  • Hithere on 09/01/2022 - 15:11

    I'd hate to see their construction company, knows nothing about building.

    Probably call it 'Jerry Built'.

  • Switchblade88 on 09/01/2022 - 15:17
    +5

    I've done this exact course but from a manufacturing backend rather than carpentry.

    Every other bloke (bar one other than me) was an apprentice chippie who, after doing the course and having sufficient experience onsite, would be able to get their own builder's licence.

    Theory was not hard - learning your trigonometry for site levels and layouts, timber sizing for framing (mostly irrelevant with prefab frames nowadays), disability constraints, minimum natural lighting requirements, and making sure your job is compliant with the BCA.

    Unfortunately, without access to practical experience from an existing builder or chippie on a daily basis puts you immediately at a disadvantage - let alone learning all the foibles of starting your own business, the meagre profitability outcomes of builders, knowing existing industry contacts - are what actually makes a successful builder more than a TAFE course.

    It's not what you know, it's who you know.

    • Falconjack on 09/01/2022 - 15:20
      +1

      Cheers, that was very helpful !

    • dandosr on 09/01/2022 - 16:40

      I am a builder - second this. Finding clients / having a subcontractor base that wont take you for a ride will also be challenging.

      You need to be able to find clients / and or tender on a project (need project history) > estimate a project (builders make between 2-15% so any errors = loss)> head contract (this alone could put you under if you do not understand what you are agreeing to) > DA/CC/CDC (planning) & drafting/consultants > Construction process (manage cash flow/trades)> Occupation and hand over

      I am not saying its not possible, but with no experience…..

      • Falconjack on 09/01/2022 - 17:07

        Thanks dandosr, that's exactly the kind of stuff I wanted to hear about :)
        From what you're saying, it sounds like it'll take me at least 5 years to truly take off - for practical experience, networking, reputation-building and to truly know what I'm doing.

        • dandosr on 09/01/2022 - 18:10

          Yes, 5 years across various roles - contracts administration, estimation, project management, site supervisor (foreman role) etc. Do understand that these roles are normally undertaken by different people within a construction company. As you proposing to be a one man band you would have to limit the number of projects and/or complexity of project. There is a lot of competition for straight forward renovations/residential work so the money given the time you would have to put in would not be worth it…

  • Hardlyworkin on 09/01/2022 - 16:41
    +2

    Wouldn't an adult apprenticeship be of more value? Not sure how far a certificate will get you without practical experience.

    • Falconjack on 09/01/2022 - 17:05

      I agree, practical experience is indispensable. I'm just enquiring about the field in general and the qualifications required.

  • holdenmg on 09/01/2022 - 17:57

    Hi,

    While looking at OzB the other day I noticed:
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/675872

    Anyhow, have you looked at the Sustainable Living offerings?
    Two electives that I would highlight are:
    Introduction to Sustainable Design for Houses
    Sustainable Design for Houses and Landscapes
    https://www.utas.edu.au/courses/cse/courses/z0u-undergraduat…

  • pharkurnell on 09/01/2022 - 18:14

    … that specialises in building modern, energy efficient homes

    I think all new homes have to meet strict requirements already - so you wouldnt have a niche you may hope for

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