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10 Types of Construction Short Courses Supported by CTF

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Construction short courses are an excellent way to upskill quickly in the construction industry. With a short course, you gain useful qualifications in record time.

Short courses cover a range of different skills, with a mix of theoretical and practical training depending on the trade. The downside? They aren’t always cheap.

Luckily, you may be eligible for funding from the Construction Training Fund (CTF). We provide funding for various courses in different industries.

Here are some short course types subsidised through CTF’s Upskilling & Short Course Funding Program.

Traffic control and management courses

Traffic control and management courses teach participants to minimise a project’s impact on the roadways and keep traffic running smoothly. Building and construction projects often affect the regular flow of traffic in surrounding areas. An alternative traffic flow is planned out and directed to minimise congestion safely.

Traffic control construction short courses teach the tips and tricks of traffic management plans. From placing signs and cones to directing cars with the stop-slow bat, these courses highlight the importance of communication and teamwork. In advanced courses, traffic managers learn to design basic and complex traffic management plans.

Working-at-heights courses

Working-at-heights courses qualify workers for jobs at high elevations. Through these qualifications, participants become accustomed to unique working conditions in a safe and effective way. These construction short courses are handy (and often necessary) for trades like roof plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work.

Working at heights may be dangerous, but it doesn’t have to be – that’s why we have WHS regulations. Compliance with existing legislation and standards is a big component of working at heights training. Following these procedures helps maintain safe workplaces and minimise accidents.

Another key aspect of these working-at-heights courses is risk assessment skills. You will learn to assess a situation when you start a job and select the right equipment. Skills related to rigging, anchor systems, and fall arrest systems are part of this.

Working-at-heights construction short courses offer an effective mix of theoretical and applied training. First, theoretical components provide information about rules and best practices. Following this, practical exercises give you hands-on experience under controlled conditions.

Need more of a challenge? Advanced working-at-heights training is available for people in supervisory roles, which covers safety procedures such as rescue plans.

Construction workers wearing a hardhat and standing at the top of a building with a crane in the background

Asbestos removal courses

Asbestos removal courses teach you how to remove asbestos safely. Given the toxicity of asbestos, disposal procedures are vitally important. These short-term construction courses walk you through disposal equipment and how best to use it.

You need a qualified removalist whenever asbestos is present or suspected in a location. Removalists need a Restricted Asbestos License (RAL) in WA for more than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos material. These are licences issued to individuals or business-wide.

Asbestos removal construction short courses focus on asbestos removal, its hazardous effects, and the planning and preparation that goes into its removal. But don’t panic. While short courses give you hands-on experience with the equipment, no actual asbestos is used during training.

First aid courses

First aid courses give you the training to handle a range of medical incidents. Building sites require qualified staff members to handle emergencies, so having a first aid course under your belt is a great advantage.

Introductory first aid courses cover essential knowledge such as conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and dealing with sudden illness or injuries. They are the minimum standard necessary for any job site.

Advanced courses cover more serious medical incidents, often in specific contexts. Depending on the type of construction project, first aid may need to cover burn response, use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), or choking hazards.

Building & construction tender short courses

Building and construction tender short courses focus on the legal side of the construction industry. Participants learn about contract, statute, common law, and, more generally, contracts. A range of these construction short courses exist at different levels of complexity. 

Basic courses give you an introduction to contract law. This knowledge is beneficial (and usually required) for employee roles like administration or contract management. 

More advanced courses expand your understanding of the area of contract law. You learn to administer contracts, respond to claims and manage disagreements while avoiding litigation. They are great upskilling opportunities for workers in management roles.

Two construction workers carrying a ladder

Construction skills courses

Looking to excel in construction? Construction skills courses cover essential topics like project management, blueprint reading, and trade-specific skills. Enrolling in one of these construction short courses provides a solid foundation for a career in construction.

These courses focus on practical training to apply to real-world construction projects. This hands-on experience ensures that graduates are ready for the industry's challenges.

Aside from enhancing employability, these qualifications may help to increase earning potential. You can position yourself for lucrative career opportunities with the skills and qualifications gained through a construction skills course.

Work health and safety courses

A work health and safety course offers comprehensive training in identifying, assessing, and managing workplace hazards. Risk management is essential to promoting a safety culture in the construction industry.

During construction projects, we must comply with Work, Health and Safety (WHS) protocols. They keep work environments healthy and productive while minimising worker compensation claims.

In a work health and safety course, you learn how safety principles apply in real-life scenarios. This helps mitigate risks and prevent accidents in the workplace.

By completing a work health and safety course, participants enhance their employability. Safety officers, consultants, or managers are high-value professions in the construction industry. Safety and risk management courses are often necessary for people in supervisory roles.

Industry skills courses

Industry skills courses offer specialised training tailored to the unique nature of the construction industry. Learn about materials handling, equipment operation, and project management while diving deep into the intricacies of your chosen trade. 

These construction short courses provide comprehensive knowledge for career advancement in the industry. Through immersive learning experiences and hands-on training, you gain practical expertise and industry-specific education.

Industry skills courses provide a solid foundation for professional growth and development. Completing them lets you stay ahead of the curve and reach success in the construction industry.

Construction worker with hard hat standing in front of excavator

Software skills courses

Become an expert in digital tools and programs with a software skills short course. Explore various topics, including software applications, building information modelling (BIM), and project management tools. 

Software skills are more important to the construction industry than ever. Give yourself a competitive advantage by upskilling in cutting-edge project planning, design, collaboration, and documentation. Software skills courses are a great way to stay ahead of industry trends, expand skill sets, and unlock new opportunities.

Trade and occupational licensing courses

Completing a trade and occupational licence course could help you understand licensing requirements for your career. Specific courses relate to particular areas and work within construction. Painters, plumbers and electricians are common trades that have licensing requirements.

Finishing one of these construction short courses helps you meet the industry standards and requirements. They build a foundation of knowledge through comprehensive training and practical assessments. Qualifying for a licence shows you are prepared to contribute effectively to the construction sector.

How can CTF help?

CTF helps workers pay for many construction short courses within these categories. Our rebate may cover up to 80% of the costs incurred from training. 

From apprentices needing a leg up to seasoned workers looking to get to the next level, short courses offer excellent benefits. Finding the right short course can provide excellent returns for anyone.
Chat with a CTF team member today to see if your chosen course is eligible.

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Acknowledgement of Country

The Construction Training Fund acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land throughout Western Australia and pay our respect to the Elders both past and present. We thank them for their ongoing custodianship of the lands and waters, and celebrate their rich culture of art, song, dance, language, and stories.