Welcome to Vortex Education, your building and construction courses training leader.
Vortex Education is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with the Training Accreditation Council, based in Western Australia (RTO ID 52916). We strive to deliver exceptional training and assessment from highly qualified and experienced Trainers and Assessors who are leaders in their fields. We specialize in Building and Construction courses.
Our training programs are nationally recognised and comply with the Australian Quality Training Framework standards for registered training organisations. The quality of our training is rigorously monitored and audited to ensure we provide a high standard of quality service.
Study Building and Construction courses Online here in Western Australia (WA).
Contact Vortex Education today for more information regarding your Building and Construction courses
Why study a building and construction course?
Building and Construction
Industry insights on skills needs
According to the Construction, Plumbing and Services IRC’s 2019 Skills Forecast the top Construction Skills in demand required for the Construction industry are:
- Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN)
- Learning agility/Information literacy/Intellectual autonomy and self-management
- Design mindset/Thinking critically/System thinking/Solving problems
- Communication/Virtual collaboration/Social intelligence
- Technology.
The top five other employability skills requested by employers were life skills (including money and time management, organisation and planning), adaptability, a good work ethic (attitude, reliability, desire to work hard), work health and safety and resilience.
The Construction, Plumbing and Services IRC’s 2019 Skills Forecast also listed skills shortages in the occupations of Building Associate (site supervisor), Construction Project Manager, Bricklayer and Stonemason, Carpenter and Joiner, Fibrous Plasterer, Plumber, Wall and Floor Tiler, Painting Trades Worker, and Roof Tiler.
According to the job vacancy data, the top requested skills by employers were communication and planning. The most advertised Construction occupations were Architectural, Building and Surveying Technician followed by Contract, Program and Project Administrator, and Civil Engineering Professionals. The top employers in this industry were Lend Lease Corporation Limited, CPB Contractors, John Holland, Laser Electrical and KBR Incorporated.
The above Skills Forecast underscores the importance for those in the Construction industry to maintain the skills to work within a changing regulatory landscape. There are several social, technological and policy changes that are driving rapid industry-wide change, all of which may have an impact on industry regulation. As the VET sector has an important role in the training and licencing of workers in this industry, it is vital that training remains current to meet regulatory requirements. As such, several projects have focused on reviews of Construction, Plumbing, and Services Training Package qualifications and Surveying and Spatial Information Services qualifications. Key drivers for change discussed in the Construction, Plumbing and Services IRC’s 2019 Skills Forecast include:
- Workforce demographics – the skill replacement gap is increasing, with the percentage of younger workers remaining constant over the last 20 years. The need to replace larger numbers of high skilled workers in the future raises the issue of the future supply and if the current apprenticeship system can produce the numbers required. There is a lack of gender diversity, with the percentage of women in the workforce declining from 17% in 2006 to 11.6% in 2018 and leaving the industry almost 39% faster than men.
- Mental health – while a range of socio-economic factors can influence the wellbeing of construction workers, the Construction, Plumbing and Services IRC’s 2019 Skills Forecast cites a study that lists factors in the work environment that contribute, including the pressure of large deadlines may mean working long days without adequate rest, tenure in the industry is associated with poor health and fatigue due to physically demanding work without adequate sleep and/or poor dietary choices, prominent use of drugs and alcohol recreationally and to cope with stress, and fly in fly out work contributing to isolation and lack of routine.
- Technology – although the industry is yet to experience significant digital disruption, major technological advances in everyday digital technology, automation for lower-skilled jobs, building information modelling (BIM) and prefabrication will require the workforce to be trained, re-trained and upskilled for the new jobs and tasks required. Prefabrication is gaining more acceptance in Australia and will require construction workers with different skill sets. Training for workers in prefabrication will need to come from manufacturing and construction training packages.
- Demand for green and smart buildings – the green and smart construction industry is on the rise in Australia. Often green buildings include smart elements and vice versa. Workers will need to keep their skills and knowledge up to date regarding advances in both sustainable building practices and the use of smart technologies.
- Micro-credentialing and life-long learning – skill sets could be used for professional development, allowing workers to upskill, learning how to use new tools, techniques or technologies, or move to a related field of employment.
- Trade specialisation – businesses are typically small-scale with 20 employees or less. It can be difficult to give their apprentices the full range of skilling opportunities that are needed to fulfil the requirements of a traditional apprenticeship.
- Compliance and regulation – the National Construction Code (NCC) is the building and plumbing code that incorporates all on-site construction requirements into a single code. Recent failures in building performance and issues of non-conforming materials and building products have highlighted the problems of buildings not conforming to the standards outlined in the NCC. The outcome of the senate inquiry into non-conforming building products and the recommendations of the Australian Building Ministers’ Forum commissioned report, Building Confidence, are noted as a key driver for change. Many of the 24 recommendations in the report focus on continuous professional development around the NCC, career pathways, and the tasks and roles of occupations, particularly in the building surveying and fire protection sub-sectors.
Telephone No.(08) 6373 5182
Building and Construction employment levels.
Please note: any employment projections outlined below were calculated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics prior to COVID-19.
Vocational Education Qualifications
Telephone No.(08) 6373 5182
The importance of qualifications in the building and construction industry.
Unlike employers in general, Vocational Education is central to licensing requirements in the construction industry. This means that Vocational Education is an entry requirement for trades and employers who are likely to be familiar with Vocational Education training and skills outcomes.
With approximately 50% of employers saying Vocational Education qualifications as meaning they could have confidence in the level of skills of employees, why not complete your goal today.
Contact Vortex Education today to start your journey.
Telephone No.(08) 6373 5182
Why is it important to study building and construction?
The Building and Construction industry is focused on building, demolition, renovation, maintenance or repair of building and infrastructure. It covers a wide range of activities, from planning and surveying to structural construction to through to finishing services such as painting and decorating. The Construction industry generates over $360 billion in revenue, producing around 9% of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product, and has a projected annual growth rate of 2.4% in the next five years.
Vortex Education is here to help.
Contact us today.
Telephone No.(08) 6373 5182
What is a Registered Builder?
Builders are licensed professionals who look after the complete building and construction process for clients and themselves. Many builders start out as tradespeople but this is not a requirement.
When many builders start they may specialise in specific aspects of construction from renovations, new builds, commercial, industrial and many more. This is usually due to the skill set they have or what the market is requesting at the time.
The typical process to become a Registered Builder in Western Australia is not a complicated journey, but there are some requirements you will need to meet in order to achieve your goal.
How can you become a Registered Builder in WA?
Step 1. Although each state and territory has its own criteria for qualification as a licensed builder, it is recommended that you start by completing the CPC0210 Diploma in Building and Construction (Building). This course by Vortex Education teaches you the fundamentals of the building industry, how the NCC / BCA plays a big part in the success of a Registered Builder and many more important issues.
The Department of Commerce has more information regarding other qualifications you may use.
Step 2. To become a Registered Builder in Western Australia you will need experience in the building and construction industry. There are a few options (length and type of experience) that may apply to your situation.
Step 3. Apply and obtain your license if you meet the criteria. The application process has been streamlined to become a Registered Builder in Western Australia. There is some paperwork and evidence you will need to supply but if you stick in there it may become very rewarding and advantageous.
Modes of delivery (study options)
Our Building and Construction courses are offered online and face to face, so you get the best of both worlds.
Telephone No.(08) 6373 5182