Is a career change into Construction Management really worth it?
More and more builders are giving up the tools and returning to study to get a Diploma of Building and Construction Management. They have asked the question – Is a construction management diploma worth it, and decided that yes, it is a smart career move.
The reasons for a change in career into construction management include:
Greater autonomy and respect
A construction manager oversees the construction of buildings, roads, and other structures. Effective planning and efficiency are core skills to attain and develop. The construction manager often works directly with clients and manages staff, so strong interpersonal skills are necessary, along with the ability to lead a large team if required. These are all skills that many builders have developed on the tools over time, yet don’t get acknowledged for on a daily basis. With a diploma, comes a different level of respect from a wider marketplace, and more a career autonomy.
Better and reliable pay
The average Australian salary for a Construction Manager is currently $3450 per week, or over $170,000 per year (Job Outlook). The average salary of a Construction Manager is double or more of the total salary average in Australia (calculated off weekly earnings). Experience is obviously a determiner of starting salary once you have your qualification. With construction continuing to be a growth sector across Australia, the reliability of steady work and predictable pay is attractive to many builders.
As a qualified Construction Manager in Australia, you could be getting a weekly paycheck of $3450. Australian Construction Managers are some of the highest paid in the world. Click To TweetImproved health and well-being
Working on the tools year after year is satisfying, but can take a physical and mental toll. A move into Construction Management is a smarter way to be involved in the industry you enjoy, without all the literal aches and pains. The stress of running your own building company, or being contracted with unpredictable income is also a big mental burden for many. Having the security of a diploma to fall back on can ease the pressure on mind and body.
Opportunity
It is projected that there will be 94,600 workers in Construction Management positions across Australia by 2024. These range from project work, to education, to estimating, to foreman positions. Some involve interstate travel and working within larger teams. There is abundant opportunity and scope to expand your career into new and exciting areas.
Teamwork
Working solo as an independent contractor has many benefits, but also a fair share of headaches. Working as part of a team on large scale projects brings a different kind of job security and satisfaction. Builders who find their values or priorities have changed as they mature, now see the benefits of being part of a bigger company and vision.
Fast and easy accreditation
Many builders and tradies with experience find that with Recognition of Prior Learning, they can achieve their Diploma much faster than others. An online Diploma of Building and Construction Management (CPC50308) can be achievable studying part-time within 12 – 16 months. This can result in a fast career transition and smart return on investment.
Ongoing advancement
There are more options for career advancement available after securing a Diploma of Building and Construction Management (CPC50308). Many graduates go on to achieve a Diploma of Project Management (BSB51415) or Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB51918). Ongoing on-the-job experience can count towards these qualifications for continued fast-track career advancement.
Alternatively, CAL offers a very popular Double Diploma program for the Diploma of Building & Construction Management paired with the Diploma of Project Management. Given the similarities in units between these two qualifications, there is only 3 additional units required to complete.
Are you tired of life on the tools and lack of job security? It might be time that you constructed a smarter career with a construction management diploma.