Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)

The Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in residential and commercial building. It covers the practical side of running a construction project: reading and interpreting plans, estimating materials and costs, scheduling trades, supervising work on site, and understanding the Building Code of Australia and relevant standards. You also study contract administration, work health and safety, and the legal responsibilities of a builder. The course is delivered by the Australian Academy of Business and Technology, and the CRICOS code is 120230K. Confirm current delivery details, campus and intake dates on the official page.

How the qualification is structured

As a diploma, this sits at the vocational level of the Australian Qualifications Framework. It is made up of units of competency, each with a credit point value. You will typically study full time over two semesters or trimesters, with a mix of classroom-based theory and hands-on tasks. Assessment is competency-based: you need to show you can do the job, not just pass a test. Some units may include a work placement or simulated site project, where you apply your skills to a real or realistic building task. The exact unit list and any placement hours are set by the provider, so check the official course page for the current structure.

Skills you gain

You learn to prepare cost estimates, manage subcontractors, read structural and architectural drawings, and apply safety and environmental rules on site. You also pick up the paperwork side of building: progress claims, variations, and contract documentation. By the end, you should be able to plan and supervise a small to medium building project from start to finish. These are the skills that licensed builders, site supervisors and estimators use daily.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people already working in construction who want to move into supervision or start their own building business. It also works for career changers who want a fast, practical entry into the industry. If you are an international student, you can study on a Student visa and work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Always check the current visa rules with the Department of Home Affairs.

• Building supervisor or site manager on residential and commercial projects
• Estimator preparing material and labour costs for builders
• Contracts administrator handling progress claims and variations
• Construction project coordinator working with trades and suppliers
• Self-employed builder running small to medium building jobs
• Roles with construction companies, home builders, subcontractors, and government infrastructure projects across Australia