Construction Management Graduate

Programs

Larger construction organisations traditionally offer graduate programs with intake dates and application processes outlined on their company website.

Each builder will have different dates for intake, albeit usually with similar timings, with some offering multiple intakes per year. 

You can find a list of larger builders here, with website links directly to their grad programs or career page.

Alternatively you can check websites like SEEK Grad Connection or Grad Australia.

Some builders advertise & recruit directly from universities, so don’t forget to utilise this opportunity as well.

Jobs

Conecta often has junior roles advertised directly from construction companies. 
On Conecta you deal with the employer from the get go (likely the Director or Construction Manager) with your application guaranteed to be seen.

Even if there are no roles advertised right now, companies talent pool and reach out directly to members they think may be a good fit for their business.

Following companies by clicking the star in the top right of their Conecta company card puts you into their Talent Pool and is another great way to get noticed.

Other options include growing your LinkedIn construction network and asking your connections to keep you in mind for any opportunities that arise within their business. 

The key to using LinkedIn successfully is to be clear about the job you want first, and making strategic connections based on this second. That includes considering the type of business you’d like to join; one that is also aligned with your personality, values, wants, needs & career aspirations.

Places to research companies include Conecta’s partner pages, individual company websites and LinkedIn.

Conecta is currently creating a specialist Construction Graduate Portal that will connect you directly to each company for graduate programs and/or junior positions. Watch this space!

Construction companies will vary in how they manage their application and hiring process however this is an outline of what you can likely expect:

1. Submit application

Submit your CV and application, taking care to follow all instructions and include all necessary paperwork for each firm. Make sure to include all necessary details about your education and work experience. While site experience is a great addition to your short career history, it’s not a necessity.

Share how you’ve handled workplace conflict, grown your leadership skills and balanced work loads while studying, no matter where you’ve worked (Maccas included!). It’s all part of showcasing your skills and professional capabilities.

2. Online testing

Through testing, an employer gets to know you better by taking a look at your personality, situational judgment, and cognitive ability. They get a feel for culture fit, values alignment and what you’ll bring to their team. You’ll likely receive feedback on your performance.

3. Online interview

Ensure you prepare well for your online interview. Use our interview preparation advice to put yourself in a strong position.

Some employers may ask you to provide a short video introduction as part of your initial application process however should you progress further along, you’ll be invited to an online interview with the HR Team managing the graduate program selection. 

4. Group assessment

Selected applicants may be invited to participate in a group assessment and in-person interview.

5. Final selection

Successful applicants will be notified and given further information about next steps and start dates.

6. What if you’re not selected?

Don’t give up! There are many  alternative career pathways into construction management.  Many construction firms don’t have a formal graduate program but they still employ young, innovative people in their teams. Refer to our section on Construction Management Graduate pathway alternatives for ideas.

Did you know you don’t actually NEED to complete a formal Graduate Program to get started in a successful career in construction?

Graduates can get a start at many leading construction firms by being hired directly into an Assistant Contract Administrator, Project Coordinator or Junior Estimator job, among others.

Tier 2 & 3 construction companies have job opportunities for construction professionals direct from completion of a Bachelor Degree. These firms still work on major projects and are large commercial organisations. Project values can range anywhere from $500k all the way to $100m.

Working within these ‘smaller’ businesses often gives you more direct access to senior leaders and may also offer greater mentoring & learning opportunities. You work closely with your line manager and usually have direct access higher up the management ladder. See Project Coordinator or Contract Administrator job pages for more information.

You can find a list of education providers for all education levels in our Industry Directory.

Interested in a career in Construction Management and/or Construction?

Traditional pathways into construction management are through a Bachelor’s Degree.

There are many degree options such as: Construction Management, Applied Science, Engineering, Architecture and Law.

Even technology degrees are an option these days with Construction Tech becoming a fast growing sector into 2023 and beyond. 

Other pathways include trade options. Trade qualified professionals such as carpenters, electricians, etc, may move into site supervisory roles and beyond. Further learning such as a Certificate IV in Building and Construction or a Diploma in Building and Construction provide additional skills to step into commercial construction management roles.

A list of education providers can be found in the Conecta Industry Directory.

Australia’s construction sector is constantly expanding, with exciting new entry construction jobs being created every day. 

Create your Conecta Profile to access junior positions advertised directly from leading Australian construction companies today.

Sign up today (it’s free!), and launch an exciting career in construction, with no limits to what you can achieve. A Conecta Profile also gives you access to our expert recruitment resources like interview preparation and our construction news blog read by more than 10K+ construction professionals each week, so you know exactly where Australia’s building sector is at, and what jobs are going.