
Careers & pathways
How to become a builder and building supervisor in Australia
Builders and building supervisors plan, estimate, coordinate and supervise residential and commercial building projects.
The work
What the job involves
- Read and interpret plans and specifications
- Estimate quantities and prepare costings
- Coordinate trades and site programmes
- Supervise quality and site safety
- Manage inspections and compliance documentation
Where the work happens
A mix of site supervision and office-based planning, estimating and client contact.
Licensing and registration
Building work above certain values requires registration. In Victoria, builder registration is administered by the Victorian Building Authority. Registration classes and requirements are set state by state.
Typical qualification pathway
The qualifications usually used to enter this work
One entry qualification is Certificate IV in Building and Construction (CPC40120), a nationally recognised qualification on the national register. The registered training organisations approved to deliver and issue it are listed on training.gov.au.
One entry qualification is Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50220), a nationally recognised qualification on the national register. The registered training organisations approved to deliver and issue it are listed on training.gov.au.
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