Golden Age: How to get a job at one of the Gold Coast’s building sites
THERE are opportunities galore in the construction industry as the sector begins to build off the back of the Commonwealth Games. Here’s how to get a job on one of the Gold Coast’s new development wave.
Golden Age
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OPPORTUNITIES are there to be grabbed in the construction industry as the sector begins to build off the back of the Commonwealth Games bonanza and major projects look set to change the skyline.
From the $2 billion master plan for The Star at Broadbeach to the next stage of light rail and the $1.4 billion Ruby residential project in Surfers Paradise, tradies can reap rewards.
Master Builders Australia predicts a slight easing off on approvals, but just six of the top projects underway are expected to generate 19,000 construction jobs over the next decade.
For Alder Constructions general manager Dean Cheffers, the projects also mean local workers can stay close to home.
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“From what I hear talking to tradies, there is much less traffic heading north (on the M1) at 5am than there was 3-4 years ago,” Mr Cheffers said.
“People ultimately seek more opportunity and will drive for work, but with the projects happening here, less and less are having to head up the M1 on a regular basis.’’
Mr Cheffers, who has worked on a variety of residential and civil projects such as the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, The Star refurbishments and the Gold Coast Turf Club, said the sector was a great career choice for workers willing to put in the hard yards.
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“There is definitely an interesting range in work available. For the last couple of years medium to large-scale projects on the Coast have gone ahead, which means you can get experience in anything from civil to residential, to first-tier work,” he said.
“If you’re talking employment opportunities, there is a good outlook for the market in the next 12-24 months.”
To secure a job, Mr Cheffers said approach and experience were key.
“Attitude counts for a lot, no doubt about it, but whether you have blue or white collar experience there are bridging type subjects which people can do to get into the industry,” he said.
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“The Australian Industry Trade College at Robina offers training, so if someone is keen they just need to get their qualifications up and approach operators directly. Once you have the experience behind you, all the better.”
According to Master Builders, the next big builds for the Gold Coast include a mix of residential, tourist and infrastructure projects.
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Infrastructure projects included the M1 upgrade from Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes. The city is also looking towards the next stage of the light rail from Broadbeach to Burleigh, which hinges on a business case being prepared by the State Government and the city council.
Master Builders also listed tourism and residential complexes such as the Broadbeach Jewel towers, the Surfers Paradise Spirit and the Ruby, a four-tower Surfers Paradise complex, as significant projects.
Star Entertainment Group’s $2 billion investment for its Broadbeach island and casino site is expected to create a total of 2000 construction jobs across its build.
Next Government projects on the Gold Coast
$81.7m for maintenance and capital work projects on Gold Coast schools
$38.4m to expand and improve social housing
$8m to begin Robina Hospital upgrades
$4.5m for improvements at the Gold Coast Recreation Centre
$3m to begin development of the Gold Coast Parklands Health and Knowledge Precinct
$2.4m towards a new police facility at Arundel
$800k to upgrade visitor facilities at Springbrook National Park
$713k for visitor facilities at Lamington National Park
$648k towards repairs at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
$500k towards a new Pimpama fire and rescue station
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