Do you want to build a career from the foundations up to the ridge flashing?
When you complete the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) you will be ready for a career as a construction site manager, or (with additional experience) registered building practitioner.
This course covers the academic requirement for registration as a builder with Building Services Board.
- coordinate the construction of residential buildings
- building and contract law
- quantities and estimating
- site safety
- timber code
- project management
- building contracts
- workplace health and safety
- Communicating within a team
- Leadership and management abilities
- Able to plan and be organised
- Good written and digital skills
- Technically proficient
- Can work in an office and produce paperwork
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2020 through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped for each year at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more
Prospective applicants should already have a minimum of 3 years experience in a supervisory role within the building and construction industry.
In order to complete this course you will need to be able to:
- apply knowledge of structural principles
- apply knowledge of risk and financial management
- accurately estimate costs including labour, materials and overheads
- prepare and administer building and construction contract
- select contractors and supervise work
It is also expected that you will have a high level of digital literacy including the ability to use estimating software, access library databases, online research skills and the ability to independently learn through an online platform. You must also have access to a live building and construction workplace to be able to meet the requirements for some units.
Students without the minimum education requirements may also be considered, provided they have relevant work experience and a demonstrated capacity to meet the course requirements.
Online and on-campus study
Course study is completed over 15 modules. Students will need to attend three days (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) of on-campus workshops each month as per the delivery schedule. Assessments must be submitted within six months of the unit start date.
To study online and on campus, you should be prepared to commit to independent study and to attend our campuses. To help you understand what it takes to study online and on campus at SM TAFE, download our info pack below.
Online and on campus study info pack (337 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)
Online study
Students of this course will need to study online, with some attendance on-campus for orientation and then practical assessment. Your study will use online software, with access provided to you after enrolment.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
It is also recommended you are able to use headphones or a headset and a microphone to be able to engage with online discussions.
The nature of online study can involve a significant investment of time and the ability to be a focused, self-motivated learner. You should consider your personal circumstances and past study history before committing to study online. To help you understand what it takes to study online at SM TAFE, download our info pack below.
Online study info pack (334 KB) (PDF document - opens in a new tab)
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
Work placement is mandatory for completion of this course. SM TAFE will arrange a suitable work placement within industry for you which will involve your attendance at a workplace.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
Select your preferred campus and apply
Click on your preferred campus and study mode below to get started with your application.