With all the talk of the mining boom, the ABS has released some interesting new figures to put the mining industry in perspective with the other industries. In Australia, the construction industry employs over 1 Million workers. We have many of our students talking about getting in on the mining boom. For some this is a great opportunity, for others it means long working hours, time spent away from family and friends and increased rates of violence, gambling and drinking problems. More information about the ‘dark side’ of the mining boom can be found in these articles from The Australian, WA Today, & The Queensland University of Technology website.
In contrast, the construction industry offers many people the ability to become their own boss, and manage their work around their family and social priorities. Over the five years to November 2011, employment in Construction increased by 10.7% (or 100 700). This growth was mainly driven by Construction Services (up by 47 500) and Building Construction (21 700). Construction employment is expected to rise by 131 200 (or 12.6%) over the next five years, with most new jobs expected to continue to be created in Construction Services.
For people interested in working in the construction industry, FCTA – Building Careers has pre-apprenticeship courses commencing July 30th and October 15th.
