What is Construction?
The construction industry includes residential and non-residential building, civil engineering and building structure services.
Local Profile
The workforce in construction is very diverse, spanning electricians, plumbers, carpenters, joiners, plasterers, fencers, painters, surveyors, crane operators, riggers, dogman, concreters and related trades workers and technicians.
Regional Outlook
The outlook on growth is positive but subject to levels of volatility. While forecast population growth is low, residential construction should continue due to reported shortages of accommodation, particularly as the labour force and visitor economy grows. Commercial construction and related infrastructure should remain strong due to high forecast growth in horticulture, manufacturing, transport and healthcare and social assistance. Several largescale construction projects are also in the pipeline. This includes solar construction and sand mining across the Region.
Skills and Training
Construction industries are the largest users of VET, accounting for ~20% of total training activity in the Region. Apprenticeships are the standard pathway to employment in most trades across construction. This is expected to continue with forecast workforce growth. Forecast workforce growth will also increase demand for training during career transition points (e.g. from worker to subcontractor), where broader skill sets such as project management and financial literacy are required. VET will have a role in supporting reported shortages in local A-grade electricians for solar maintenance and trades such as painters in residential markets.
Swan Hill Regional Quick Stats
- 5% share of Mallee workforce
- 2,300 workers currently employed in region
- 200 - 300 new workers required by 2020
- 22% workers are under 24 and 9% over 60
Local Industry Employers
1. Mahers Glass
2. Laser Electrical
3. Darren Delmenico Building
4. Devereaux’s Joinery
5. Lindsay Swinerton Plumbing
6. Marraboor Joinery
7. Swan Build
8. Cadd Constructions Pty Ltd
9. Hovenden Plasterers
10. Mallee Plumbing Service