17 Aug Getting Started In Construction – What You Need To Know!

Getting Started in the Construction Industry

Are you done with working the same 9 to 5 job day in, day out? Are you fresh out of high school or have you recently finished your studies? Maybe you are new to Sydney and looking for a fresh start? Whatever your reason, there are 1000’s of opportunities to get started in construction and HLH Group is here to help. We understand people will be drawn to construction for many different reasons and at different stages of their professional careers. From school leavers to people switching industries, we can help you get started in the construction industry.

Where To Begin In The Construction Industry

Where to begin? Before you can start work in the construction industry there are two very important things you must get before stepping foot on site. The first thing you will need to get is a “White Card” and the second thing you will need is your PPE – Personal Protective Equipment.

What is a White Card?

A white card is a general construction induction card and anybody who is working on-site is required to have one. You can obtain one online or in-person and your white card can be used on all construction sites in Australia. You are required to carry your card with you while working on-site and many sites will not let you on without the physical card.

What is PPE?

PPE is an abbreviation for personal protective equipment. The PPE requirements on sites will vary and what you need to wear on a residential building site may vary from what you will need if you are working in civil construction or working on a commercial project. Below are the essentials you will need on most sites and what we recommend you pick up straight away.

Safety Boots: Even though many think steel toe cap boots are uncomfortable they are a necessity for all labourers and tradesmen on any construction site. By wearing these safety boots labourers ensure they protect themselves against unnecessary hazards, falling objects or heavy machinery and protect your ankles if they fall in any holes or uneven surfaces on a construction site. The main thing when buying steel toe cap boots is that they fit properly, are good quality and are comfortable.

High Viz clothing: Through the sea of luminous yellow and orange, high-vis will be sure to get you noticed and stand out, not just in the local pub but more importantly on the construction site. This is to ensure that all people on the construction site are visible in regards to moving machinery or other workers on the construction site. This is why we at HLH Group provide all our labourers with free HLH hi-vis tops!

Hard Hat: Hard hats for construction labour hire are designed to protect the head, eyes and neck from any hazardous impacts, bumps, or scrapes. They are a necessity on any construction site to protect your head from falling materials, debris, low ceilings collision impact or any other hazards. Although, some of our clumsier workers should probably wear them more often.

Safety Glasses: To protect you from loose material or falling objects and a lot of accidents that happen on a construction site can be prevented by wearing the appropriate safety glasses. We recommend picking up both clear and tinted glasses for working indoors and outdoors.

Gloves: In some cases, gloves are needed to protect your hands from handling harmful materials.  In other cases where you are operating machinery or other construction equipment it may be hazardous to wear gloves so in this case, you should ask your site manager for advice.

Full-length work pants/shorts: Cover up those milk bottles for the summer! Some construction sites require full-length pants on site as a source of protection from the sun and sharp materials. Some sites allow labourers to wear shorts but coming into the summer this will be clamped down on as the sun rays are too strong. Always check with HLH Group for specific site requirements.

Earplugs/Earmuffs: HAH? WHA? Yep, that’s what you’ll sound like in a couple of years if you don’t wear the correct ear protection when labouring on a construction site while operating loud machines. These are essential on a construction site when it comes to labourers or machine operators working near high noise for example chainsaws, jackhammers, bulldozers and angle grinders.

Sun-cream: We all know Australia is known for the scorching sun, therefore it’s so important to ensure every day you wear sun cream to site. Remember to reapply throughout the day as the sun rays can be damaging and cause sunstroke or severely dangerous sunburn. Don’t be caught red-faced!

Find Labour Hire Work

Once you have got yourself ready for the site the next thing you should do is call Hunter Labour Hire to speak to one of our consultants or apply online to find some labour hire work. From there our team will take you through the HLH Group induction process where we will find out about your previous experience, qualifications, skills and find out what kind of work will suit you best. We have work sites throughout Sydney and are constantly looking to add enthusiastic, keen workers to our labouring team.

Experience Working with the HLH Group

Many of HLH Group’s best workers past and present have come from working backgrounds with little or no previous construction experience. We have had overseas qualified dentists, psychiatrists, accountants, teachers and architects. They all become great workers through their attitude and strong work ethic. You will eventually pick up the skills and experience along the way to become a very good skilled labourer and/or trade assistant.

If you are looking to start your new career in construction, please give us a call today on +61 2 8985 2019 and speak to one of our consultants about finding the right role for you.