Looking to Study a Diploma of Building and Construction - Which TAFE Is Best for It?

• 

  Hybroid on 11/09/2023 - 23:32

  I'm not currently working inside the building industry…
  I'm aiming to work as a building supervisor after completing the course…

  Doubt it. No contractor is going to care about a Diploma of Building and Construction with zero actual experience, rather than someone with suitable trade background and/or site experience, which are a dime a dozen nowadays.

  You would be better off spending the year getting real hands-on site experience since you are not yet in the industry.

  ---

  First search link for Building Supervisor recruitment role:-

  Skills and Qualifications:
  Trade background such as Carpenter, Fabricator, or Building Supervisor
  General knowledge of all building and construction site works

  https://www.mcmservices.com.au/careers/positions-vacant/buil…

  • 

    ASTROBOY18 on 11/09/2023 - 23:43

    Thanks for your reply. I am lucky enough to have someone in the family who runs a successful building company that is willing to take me on while completing the diploma.
    I have a bachelor and masters degree in business discipline and a 10 year career in financial markets, but far more interested in property. I have some experience in property development over the past decade with two projects but not involved in the day to day building.

  • 

    AustriaBargain on 12/09/2023 - 02:03

    +1

    Not everyone has the motivation to read up about stuff themselves. A lot of people need to be spoon fed it. The thing about most TAFE courses is that they teach it so slow, what someone could self teach in a month TAFE will spend 12 months to cover. But if we were all capable of self teaching then we wouldn't need TAFE or many uni courses.

• 

  netjock on 11/09/2023 - 23:58

  apply for the builders permit DBU

  You just need a cert 4

  I would suggest you chat to HIA they can give you better advice.

  Sounds like fun being a supervisor but hybroid is correct. Unless you actually pick up tools you are not going to be respected because tradies can hold you hostage.

  I'd suggest knowing water proofing back to front because for starters always a job in doing bathrooms but it is usually the problem that will cause endless claims and potentially a building rotting from the inside out.

  Carpentry isn't too hard and you don't need a formal qualification (laws might change).

  • 

    ASTROBOY18 on 12/09/2023 - 10:37

    Thanks for this. I will consider the cert 4 rather than the diploma to cut down on study time. I will be working closely with the builder to learn the trade but understand it's gruelling. Will take note of the water proofing work etc so thank you for pointing that out and will make an effort to pay close attention to this area.

• 

  Tee Rex Arms on 12/09/2023 - 08:56

  Businesses want someone with callouses on their hands not pristine RM Williams.

  • 

    netjock on 12/09/2023 - 10:54

    Stay away from tradies that like expensive shiny things. Being either they charge a lot or they cut corners.

• 

  brad1-8tsi on 12/09/2023 - 09:48

  +1

  I kind-of agree with the others but also disagree.

  I think you'll initially struggle in a supervisory role due to lack of trade training & experience but if you have a mentor and know the regulations and how they are implemented in a practical manner and can push-back against all these corner cutting tradies you'll get there eventually.
  Have a look at this YT channel to see what you'll be dealing with. So many building trades have no idea what the building code or fire code says and compliance certification is a rort.
  https://www.youtube.com/@Siteinspections

  You'd be far better off aiming towards the Project Manager space as there is a massive shortage of skilled PMs that can deliver.

  My BIL was a carpenter and did (what was then) Master Builders Cert (now the Dip B&C) that enabled him to become a skilled house builder, project manager and business owner.
  I did Light Vehicle mechanics and Associate Dip of Mech Eng and worked in construction related fields for water related assets for the past 15 years. If we hired somebody with a Diploma they always had a trade (Elec, fitter/machinist, mechanic), otherwise they had a Civil, Mech or Elec degree.

  Having been through the 4 year grind of a Certificate /Associate Diploma at TAFE (Cert4??) I'd suggest if full RPL is available, start with a shorter course and add to it.

  • 

    ASTROBOY18 on 12/09/2023 - 10:45

    +1

    I will look into the PM space as you suggest as it might be more suitable for me rather than site supervisor due to my limited trade skillset. It sounds like i am more suitable to a contract admin / PM role due to transferrable skills. Also can I ask what BIL stands for?

    I can see from comments that whilst it's hard for anyone to change careers into a completely different field, this one seems to be a lot more challenging without a trade background. At the very least, what I aim to get out of the next 5-7 years is to learn the in's and outs of building a quality house. That way even without a builders license i'm at least able to venture into doing my own builds as a owner builder or continue to work within the industry in other licensed companies as a PM/Contract admin.

    • 

      cookie2 on 12/09/2023 - 20:40

      Bil brother in law

  • 

    singlemalt72 on 12/09/2023 - 14:06

    Upvote for SiteInspections on YT

    I love watching Zeher's content