Effect of the Coronavirus on New Entrants to the Construction & Building Industry

The start of 2020 has been one of the hardest periods in living memory. The COVID-19 pandemic has vastly shifted society as we know it, sending the world into isolation, battering economies, and most tragically, creating a mass loss of life. Businesses are shifting to work from home where they can, but there is plenty of people who continue to either work on the front line, still out in the world, or who have lost their positions and have become dependant on the various stimulus packages offered from the government. The construction and building industry is continuing to see a high demands of work, as Australia is still trying to climb out of a shortage in trades workers, but new entrants to the industry are greatly affected. In Queensland, licensing, qualifications and proof of experience are vital to work on a majority of construction sites. Here is how the coronavirus has affected this process, and how new hopefuls to the industry can adapt.

Why is a Builders License Needed in QLD

In order to ensure high standards of competence and regulatory compliance are upheld on construction sites, a QLD Builders License is needed for any work totalling more than $3,300, that involves hydraulic services more than $1,100, or involves site classification, building design, residential building inspection, fire protection, termite management, gas fitting, plumbing and drainage. If you are a licensee, handyman, electrician, or a property owner performing work on your own property, then you do not require a license. Applications can be made through the QBCC website, where you will need to complete the Builder and Designer Experience and Builders License Application forms.

Requirements for Licensing and Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50210)

Depending on the licence class, applicants will require various qualifications. This could range from statements of accomplishments, to three written references, to a Diploma of Building and Construction (CPC50210), should you seek to a acquire the medium rise class. This information is required to ensure all licensees have the appropriate training and skills to conduct their work in an appropriate and sufficient manner. COVID-19 could make it difficult for people to acquire these qualifications, as it may be impossible to complete the entire course online.

How to Receive Qualifications During COVID-19

Fortunately, if someone already has a depth of experience within the construction and building industry, they could potentially use that experience against units within an applicable qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This process is when applicants compile a portfolio of evidence together that demonstrates their competency within a certain field. This will then be sent to a Registered Training Organisation for reviewal, and should they deem the work and documents sufficient, they may reward part of, or a full, nationally recognised qualification. This could save those looking to eventually obtain a builders license time and money, especially during the COVID-19 crises.