Site Manager vs Registered Builder: Which is right for me?

site management vs registered builders

Ready to further your career in building and construction but unsure what’s right for you? Working in this industry is an exciting career pathway that is well suited to a variety of people. Some of the most popular roles in this area include site management or working as a registered builder.

Employers are looking for site managers and builders in both areas with a combination of hard and soft skills, so ensuring you have the exact skill set needed when applying for these roles allows you to stay ahead of the competition and get the job.

Site Manager

What does a site manager do?

Site managers oversee and manage the building project’s site requirements from start to finish. They may delegate tasks, coordinate the build, manage budgets, develop and execute project plans, advise on regulatory issues and uphold the Work, Health, and Safety of the site. Whilst site managers aren’t often on the tools themselves, they usually work directly on the worksites they manage.

Skills required for site management

The top skills required to succeed in a career in site management are:

  • Project management
  • Stakeholder management
  • Problem-solving
  • Knowledge of Work Health and Safety
  • Knowledge of specific building regulations
  • Budget management
  • Team and conflict management

How to become a site manager

As a site manager is a senior role in construction, becoming a site manager requires a combination of study and on-the-job experience. A great place to start is by acquiring a well-rounded qualification from a reputable training provider. The Certificate IV in Building & Construction (Site Management) (CPC40120) is the perfect way to build a solid foundation of skills and get your career started on the right foot.

You’ll study units designed to upskill you in planning building work, managing construction teams, and the application of building codes and standards. These units will help you harness and gain the range of skills needed to further your career in building and construction.

The flexibility of this online site management course allows you to continue gaining experience working on construction sites while you study, setting you up to step straight into a role in site management.

Upon completion of the course, you will be well suited to a career involving any of the following roles:

Construction Supervisor
Average salary: $86,920*

Contract Administrator

Average salary: $70,836*

Site Manager

Average salary: $130,000*

Registered Builder

What does a builder do?

A builder works on commercial and industrial projects to complete new builds, renovations and demolitions. Builders carry out specific tasks relating to the construction of buildings, including physical labour, operating machinery, and using tools. The day-to-day functions of a builder can vary depending on the nature and stage of the build.

Skills required to be a registered builder

The top skills required to succeed as a registered builder are:

  • Strong physical ability
  • Uphold Work Health and Safety standards of the site
  • Ability to confidently use a wide variety of tools, including forklifts
  • Communication & leadership skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Building and engineering knowledge
  • Mathematical literacy
  • Ability to use technology

Registered builder vs unregistered builder

Building professionals in Australia must be registered to work without significant restrictions. Whilst working as an unregistered builder is technically possible, it limits and restricts your working capabilities greatly. Unregistered builders are only allowed to work on domestic projects under a value of $5,000, including labour and materials. Breaking these restrictions can result in prosecution.

How to become a registered builder

Becoming a registered builder is an essential step in creating a successful building career. With registration, you can work on diverse projects and carry out multiple services with no restriction on the value of the project. For those wanting to start their own business potentially, it’s a must. Even if you’re not ready to start your own business, it’s still worthwhile for every builder to obtain their licence.

Our ‘How to get a builder’s licence’ blog post offers more detailed information, as the requirements can vary by state.
Completing a qualification in building and construction is highly beneficial for those wanting a career as a registered builder. The Certificate IV in Building & Construction (Building) (CPC40120) will teach you the needed skills for builders including how to select, procure and store construction materials for building and construction projects, how to prepare simple building sketches and drawings, and how to apply legal requirements to building and construction projects.

Studying while working in the construction industry allows you to develop the hands-on skills necessary while you learn the technical and operational know-how through a self-paced qualification. Upskilling in your own time allows you the flexibility to still earn a wage and grow your career simultaneously.

A typical career pathway for registered builders may look like the following:
Gain a role on a building site as a building assistant, building labourer, or junior carpenter.
Complete a well-rounded qualification such as Certificate IV in Building & Construction (Building).
Continue gaining experience in the building industry.
Apply for and receive your Builder’s Licence
Secure a role as a registered builder. Average salary: $81,000*
*Source

As your experience develops, there are opportunities to work your way up in rank; whether this is on-site or even to start your own business. It’s not uncommon for builders to transition into construction management or site management after significant experience in the industry.

Opportunities in the industry

The building and construction industry is one of the largest in the country. It generates over $360 billion in revenue – around 9% of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product. On top of this, the majority of the workers are either sole traders or small businesses. This means you will almost always be able to find work – whether that’s on a site or starting your own business as a registered builder.

The building and construction industry is projected to grow even further over the next five years, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a long-term career option with plenty of growth opportunities. Whether you pursue a career in site management or think becoming a registered builder is a better fit, you’ll find yourself challenged in your daily work and set on in a stable career trajectory.

If site management is something that interests you, our Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Site Management) (CPC40120) will afford you the skills and understanding you need to go into a career in site management.

Or further your career as a builder with the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (CPC40120).

Our Learning Consultants are ready to help you with your questions and concerns, and help build your career in construction.