Completing a White Card training course can open up new career opportunities across various industries. A White Card, also known as a general construction induction card, is required for workers who want to work on construction sites in Australia. Having this qualification on your resume shows employers that you have the necessary health and safety training to work safely on construction projects.
Here are six career advancements you can achieve by getting your White Card:
1. Construction Laborer
One of the most common entry-level roles on a construction site is a general laborer. Laborers are responsible for preparing construction sites, providing assistance to tradesmen, cleaning up, and other basic tasks. To work as a laborer, you must have completed White Card training to demonstrate your knowledge of site hazards and safe work practices. The course provides foundational knowledge for working on any building site.
Completing the course shows employers you have made the effort to skill up and meet the criteria to work on site. This can help secure roles for those new to the construction industry.
2. Builder’s Assistant
A builder’s assistant or site hand works closely with qualified builders and tradesmen. Their duties include reading plans, fetching tools and materials, cleaning work areas, loading materials, and generally providing support.
By having your White Card, you show you understand construction site hazards, manual handling methods, and other safety topics. This gives builders confidence that you can work safely on site without supervision. The qualification demonstrates you have the prerequisite skills to be an effective assistant.
3. Trades Assistant
Each trade on a construction site, like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical, employs trade assistants. These assistants have some basic skills and knowledge to help tradespeople with their work.
A White Card course provides an overview of the safety considerations for different trades. It shows employers you have made an effort to understand the risks and hazards tradespeople face. With this qualification, you will stand out when applying for assistant roles.
4. Traffic Controller
Traffic controllers, or traffic management workers, are responsible for managing vehicle and pedestrian flow around worksites. They use signs, barriers, and flagging to guide the safe movement of traffic.
To become a traffic controller, you must complete training that includes White Card certification. The White Card course teaches critical safety skills for working around vehicle traffic. Qualified controllers must maintain their White Card to show they are up-to-date with safety standards.
5. Apprentice
Many apprenticeships in construction-related trades require applicants to obtain their White Card prior to commencing their training. This includes carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and other traditional trades.
By getting your White Card first, you demonstrate interest in a trade career and commitment to learning the skills. This can help secure a position with a company over other applicants. Maintaining a valid White Card is also a requirement once working in the trade.
6. Safety Roles
Once you gain experience on construction sites, the White Card can support progression into safety coordinator, safety officer, or safety manager roles. These professionals require in-depth knowledge of construction site hazards and safe work practices.
The White Card training provides strong foundational knowledge for safety roles. And having hands-on experience working under the safety procedures taught in the course is highly valued. The White Card demonstrates existing credibility and capability if transitioning into a dedicated safety position.
Next Steps After White Card Training
The White Card qualification opens doors to many roles across the building and construction industry. The flexibility it provides can be beneficial if you are not sure exactly which career path is right for you.
Once you complete White Card training, you will hold the certification for 5 years initially. This gives ample time to explore different opportunities and decide if you want to specialise in a trade or safety role.
During the 5 years, be sure to keep records of your training and experience. This will come in handy when the time comes to renew your White Card. Refresher courses are required to maintain the qualification and continue working on site.
Where to Obtain Your White Card
If you are looking to unlock these exciting career pathways, Vertical Horizonz provides high-quality White Card courses in Brisbane, Queensland. Our experienced trainers deliver the accredited curriculum through a blended format of online and classroom-based learning. This ensures you gain a solid understanding of course content through theory and practical application.
At Vertical Horizonz, we strive to provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Our small class sizes allow for individual attention so you feel confident going onto a worksite. We also handle your application process start to finish so gaining your White Card qualification is stress-free.
With excellent first-time pass rates, Vertical Horizonz gives you the best chance of passing the final assessment and earning your White Card. Contact us today to enrol or learn more!