Construction labourer job description

A White Card (General Construction Induction Card) is mandatory for all workers on construction sites in Australia. It demonstrates completion of general construction induction training covering basic safety awareness. Without a valid White Card, a person cannot work on a construction site. The training takes one day and the card is valid nationally.

White Card training can be completed in a single day through face-to-face training, or online in some states. After completing the training and passing the assessment, the card is typically issued within a few days. Online courses offer flexibility but face-to-face training is preferred by many employers.

While not always mandatory for entry-level labourers, First Aid certification is highly valued and often preferred by employers. On larger sites, having First Aid trained staff is a safety requirement. Many employers encourage or provide First Aid training to their construction staff.

Additional licences that enhance employability include: forklift licence (LF), elevated work platform (EWP) ticket, manual handling training, working at heights certification, confined spaces ticket, and a driver’s licence. These qualifications open up more varied work opportunities and higher classification levels.

This depends on your project pipeline and workload. Permanent staff provide consistency for ongoing projects, while casuals offer flexibility for variable workloads and short-term projects. Many construction companies use a mix of both. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Penalty rates under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and overtime. Construction work often involves early starts and weekend work, so penalty rates are common. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, minimum engagement periods apply — typically 4 hours for casual employees. However, construction shifts are usually 8-10 hours per day. Check the award for specific requirements and any site-specific agreements.

Key elements include: position title and classification level (CW1/CW2), employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties, work locations and sites, shift patterns and hours, PPE requirements, White Card verification, and site safety induction requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, reasonable notice of shifts should be provided. Construction rosters often change based on weather, site conditions and project progress, but giving staff advance notice helps with planning and reduces absenteeism. Using rostering software helps ensure clear communication and gives staff visibility of their upcoming shifts.

Yes, multi-site construction work is common in the industry. Ensure you clearly communicate site rotation expectations in the job description and consider travel time and distance between locations. Some labourers may need to travel to different sites within a region or work on projects of varying duration.

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, employees are entitled to meal breaks and rest breaks. The timing and duration depend on shift length and site agreements. Many sites have set break times coordinated across crews. Use break planning tools to manage breaks effectively.

Schedule construction staff based on project requirements, trade coordination, crew sizes and site access times. Consider weather forecasts, equipment availability and material deliveries. Match experienced labourers with more complex tasks where possible. Use rostering software to improve schedules and ensure adequate site coverage.