Billions of dollars have been invested in major infrastructure projects to change Brisbane’s face in the past few years. Brisbane’s construction workforce increased to 200,800 in 2019-20 to cater to this growth in the construction industry. The city’s myriad infrastructure projects offer a wealth of opportunities for people to tap into this critical sector of Brisbane’s growing economy.
If you are also interested in working in the construction industry in Brisbane, you will need a White Card, which is also known as a general construction induction card. It is a license showing that you have completed general construction induction training (White Card course) and are eligible to work in the construction industry in Brisbane. The White Card in Brisbane allows you to enter and work on construction sites. You can think of it just like a driver’s license, which is mandatory before you drive a car.
It is a mandatory thing to possess for all construction workers, regardless of their years of experience or the rank they hold. Various registered training organisations (RTOs) offer White Card courses to students. The first question that might be swirling around in your mind is, “how do you get a White Card in Brisbane?” These institutions will provide you with a White Card and a Statement of Attainment for the unit of competency after you have completed the course. Remember, this will not be an online course; you have to complete the course in person to attain this certification.
Who Needs a White Card in Brisbane?
Anyone who wishes to take up the construction work or wants to work in the construction industry would need to obtain a White Card. It may include:
- People who access operational construction zones without being supervised by an inducted person.
- Construction site managers, surveyors, supervisors, labourers, and tradespeople.
- Workers who routinely enter operation construction zones as a part of their employment.
Additionally, the inducted person who has not carried out any construction work for two consecutive years or more will have to qualify for the White Card again. A White card becomes void if the person has not been working in the construction industry for two or more consecutive years.
What Is Included in the White Card Course?
When you possess a White Card, it highlights in your resume. It notifies the recruiters and employers that you are professionally qualified to work on a construction project anywhere in Australia. It is an introductory course covering the workplace safety guidelines that every construction worker should be familiar with. Here are a few topics covered in the White Card course:
- Personal protective equipment
- Important information about Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- Need to follow all warning signs and adhere to tags
- Importance of providing workers with practical training on various construction tools and equipment
- Basic principles of Risk Management include the need for a safe working environment.
- Advice on bullying and harassment
How to Confirm if It Is the Right Course?
If you are interested in pursuing the White Card course, you first need to register yourself with a recognised RTO. Then to confirm if it is the right course that you need to attain the White Card, go through the following steps:
- Confirm the course code or the unit of competency with the RTO; it has to be ‘CPCCWHS1001- Prepare to work safely in the construction industry.’
- The course has to be offered in person.
- The RTO will ask for your photo ID proof when you register for the course.
- The course will have to run for a minimum of six hours.
- After completing the course, you will receive a construction induction card issued by a government body.
- Further, the RTO will apply to the designated government body on your behalf to issue the White Card in Brisbane, which will take approximately two weeks to process and reach you.
If the course you are taking does not go through the steps mentioned above, it is likely to not result in you being a White Cardholder.
