20 Oct 2021
Overview

In so many industries, there’s a bit of a catch-22. You need work experience to get a job, but you need a job to get work experience… With a head scratcher like that, it’s a miracle any of us land a job. 

Then, when you lock in a career you may realise that you don’t vibe with it at all… If only you’d had the opportunity to ‘try before you buy’, huh?!

The construction industry gets it. With work experience ops for students, you’ll have something to bang on the resume as well as confidence and conviction, knowing that this is the right career for you! 

So, tell me more about why work experience is a good op?

Work experience is the perfect way to tip your toes into a career before diving in headfirst. Sure, any old mate could tell you what life is like as a chippy, but until you really try it out, you’ll never 100% know. 

Gaining an understanding of the workplace, the work environment and what employers expect from their workers is soooo beneficial. You’ll also gain some confidence that’ll translate into your later career. If you decide to pursue construction, you won’t feel like such a kook when you start working. 

Work experience is a bite-sized taster that ensures you don't waste any time or money on something you don’t vibe with. About 40% of apprentices pull the pin in the first 12-18 months. Why? They had no idea what they were getting into! It’s A-okay to decide “hey… this isn’t for me” in any industry and career. But the great thing about construction is you can figure this out while you’re still at school!

But if you end up frothing construction, you’ll be able to get out and get a job! You’ll have networks and your resume will look bangin’ with that work experience as well ofc!! It’s a win win really.

Where can I find work experience?

Great Q. Here are your options:

Ask your career adviser/service

If you're at school, chat to your school's career adviser or a teacher to help you to find work experience. They’ll know of local organisations or businesses that accept work experience students!

If you're a uni or VET student, make an appointment with your institution's career service. They can recommend programs and put you in touch with companies.

Ask your network

Don’t ever underestimate sussing around with mates and family members. They might know companies or organisations that offer work experience placements. You’d be surprised where the grapevine can take you – your uncle’s brother’s dog walker’s cousin’s wife could land you some incredible work experience. So, use that gab of yours and ask around!

Do your research

Hit up good ol’ google and look for companies and organisations near you that offer structured programs.

Check with your local council as well as businesses. Try to chat to the human resources department of the organisations that interest you. 

Suss out CSQ

The best starting point in your journey towards a trade is checking out Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ). They provide a bunch of information about what a career in the building and construction industry can look like. 

If you’re ready to take the next step after your work experience, CSQ can subsidise your training costs, connect you with RTOs and providing industry leading research and information.

CSQ can also give you a hand figuring out which trade might be best suited for you. Their career guide provides info on over 70 different careers in construction which will help point ya in the right direction.


Construction is like any industry. Some people will love it and others will realise that it’s not what they expected. That’s why there’s work experience left, right and centre in this industry! 

If you’re keen to learn more, our newest academy with CSQ needs to be on your radar! With modules covering skills of the industry, what a day in the life of construction is like and how to gear up for the job, you’ll be ready for work experience (and sooner or later, a job!) Oh, and btw, you’ll go in the running to win $5000 as soon as you’ve completed it!! So, what are you waiting for? Suss it out here!