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 or commercial building supervision and management. You'll study how buildings go together and how to run the jobs that put them together: reading and interpreting plans, estimating materials and costs, programming work, supervising trades on site, and keeping projects compliant with the National Construction Code and work health and safety law. Expect units in contract administration, structural principles, site surveying and setting out, and environmental and sustainable building practices.

Australian diplomas sit at Level 5 of the Australian Qualifications Framework. This one is delivered over one year, usually across two or three study periods, and is made up of units of study, each carrying credit points. Assessment is largely practical: case studies, site-based projects, cost estimates and building documentation rather than long written exams. Some providers include a work placement or site-based component, so ask the college directly what supervised industry experience is built into the course.

You'll finish with skills employers actually check for: preparing a tender, costing a job, coordinating subcontractors, resolving on-site problems, and documenting a project from approval through to handover. The qualification is recognised for licensing purposes in several states and territories, but requirements differ, confirm with the building authority where you intend to work whether this diploma meets their registration criteria.

This suits people already working in the trades who want to move into supervision or run their own building business, as well as school leavers and career changers who want a fast, job-focused entry into the construction industry. International students should note that a Student visa generally allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, and English requirements are set out on the official course page.

• Building supervisor or site foreman, running day-to-day site operations for residential and commercial builders.
• Estimator, pricing materials, labour and subcontractor packages for tender submissions.
• Contract administrator, managing variations, progress claims and contract documentation.
• Project coordinator, supporting project managers on programming, procurement and quality control.
• Small building business owner, sole trader or director running residential renovation and construction jobs.
• Maintenance and facilities coordinator, overseeing building repairs and compliance in property management.

Hiring industries include residential and commercial construction, civil contracting, property development, government infrastructure and facilities management. Demand is spread across every Australian state and territory, and many of these roles are on the skilled occupation lists used for employer sponsorship and general skilled migration, check the current lists and licensing rules for your state.