Australia's booming infrastructure and development sector creates a strong demand for skilled civil construction workers. This blog explores Australia's exciting world of civil construction and design courses, answering your key questions about career pathways, costs, and opportunities.

Is there an In-Demand Need for Civil Construction Design Workers in Australia?

There is a significant demand for skilled civil construction design workers across Australia. The Australian economy is growing steadily, and with it, the need for infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, rail systems, and urban development. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook website, the construction industry is expected to grow, creating more job opportunities in the coming years.

Several factors drive the demand:

• Urbanisation and population growth require extensive infrastructure development.
• Ongoing government investments in public infrastructure, including highways, schools, and hospitals.
• A strong focus on renewable energy projects and sustainable building practices.

As a result, there is a substantial need for qualified civil construction professionals to meet the demands of modern-day infrastructure projects.

Why Consider Civil Construction Design Education in Australia?

Civil construction and design is an excellent career choice for several reasons:

• High Demand for Skills: Australia’s expanding infrastructure sector continues to create job opportunities.
• Variety of Career Options: Opportunities span engineering, design, project management, and construction.
• Global Recognition: Australian qualifications are internationally recognised.
• Attractive Salaries: Civil construction workers can earn competitive salaries, particularly with experience and specialised skills.
• Job Security: Job security is high due to the constant need for infrastructure development

Course Package and Fees to Become a Skilled Civil Engineering Draftsperson

What Qualification Should You Study?

The Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design Program is a nationally recognised qualification that must be completed over a two-year study period.

1. Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design

The qualification that should be included is listed below:

Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design - This qualification is for a senior civil works designer or para-professional who supports engineers. They execute complex tasks, design intricate projects according to client specifications, and apply technical expertise to address challenges. This includes: 

1. Managing program risk
2. Advising on the application of safe design principles to control WHS risk
3. Leading and managing team effectiveness
4. Managing the civil works design process
5. Establishing and maintaining a quality system

Duration: 2 years

View our course page: Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design

How Much Does it Cost to Study Civil Construction Design in Australia?

The cost of this qualification can differ based on the type of qualification, the training provider, and where you study in Australia. Studying in major cities usually costs more than in smaller cities or regional areas. As a rough estimate, these qualifications range from $26,000 to $45,000.

View our course page: Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design

Alternative Pathway

• Diploma of Civil Construction and Design

Entry Requirements for International Students Studying Civil Construction Design in Australia

Entry into civil construction design is challenging as the initial course is an Advanced Diploma and is inaccessible to most people. Entry requirements are listed below. However, opportunities for those with relevant work experience also exist. 

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Secondary School Year 12 (pass) transcripts
• English Language Proficiency - IELTS (5.5 to 6.0), TOEFL, PTE Academic

2. Student Visa (subclass 500)Visa Requirements

• Provide evidence of enrollment in an RTO offering the required course packaged for Civil Construction & Design.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement: Evidence of financial capacity to support your stay in Australia (tuition, living expenses).
• You must not have a history of visa refusals or overstays in Australia or other countries.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students.
• You must meet Australia’s character requirements, which could include a police clearance from your home country

Civil Construction Design Job Prospects

Graduates can find employment in the following roles by completing the civil construction design course:

Civil Engineering Draftsperson - Create technical drawings using computer-aided design technology.

• With an average annual salary of $80,000 to $100,000

Civil Designer - Help design key infrastructure for the future.

• With an average annual salary of $100,000 to $115,000

Career Progression Opportunities

Graduates from the program can pursue further study in a Bachelors program, which may open up pathways to the following roles:

1. Architect - Design building projects for clients and provide advice through the project lifecycle.
2. Building Inspector - Inspect buildings to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

Challenges and Rewards of Studying Civil Construction Design in Australia

Studying Civil Construction Design in Australia presents unique opportunities and challenges. Here is a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses to guide your decision-making.

Rewards:

1. Gain in-demand skills: Students gain valuable, industry-specific skills highly sought after in the growing construction sector.
2. Excellent career prospects: Graduates can secure stable jobs in a booming industry with strong demand for skilled professionals.
3. Contribute to significant projects: Civil construction professionals are key in building major infrastructure projects that benefit society.
4. Potential for earning potential: Civil construction offers high salaries, especially with experience and advanced qualifications.
5. Opportunity for professional growth: The industry offers continuous career advancement, specialisation, and leadership roles.

Challenges

1. Meeting academic requirements: International students may face difficulty meeting Australia’s academic entry standards, requiring additional preparation.
2. Managing study and living expenses: High tuition and living costs can be overwhelming for international students, requiring careful financial management.
3. Adapting to a new culture: Moving to Australia may involve adjusting to new cultural norms, language barriers, and homesickness.
4. Demanding coursework and practical training: Civil construction design courses require a balance of intense theoretical study and hands-on practical work, which can be challenging.

Studying for Civil Construction Design in Australia can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career. Thorough research and careful planning are key to your success!

Post-Study Visas for Civil Construction Design Graduates

The great news is that there have always been stable pathways for civil construction design graduates to stay in Australia. However, you must work as a “Civil Engineering Draftsperson” and undergo a skills assessment to possess adequate skills and knowledge of the following:

• preparing sketches, charts, tabulations, plans, and designs for civil engineering works such as drainage, water supply, sewerage reticulation systems, roads, airports, dams, bridges and other structures
• performing and directing fieldwork and laboratory testing
• interpreting work assignment instructions, applying appropriate procedures and selecting equipment
• collecting and analysing data, and carrying out computations
• estimating material costs and ensuring finished works are within specifications, regulations and contract provisions
• inspecting civil engineering works, and organising and supervising maintenance and repair work
• conducting field and laboratory tests of construction materials and soils, and collecting data for traffic surveys

Trades Recognition Authority is the skills assessment body that verifies the standing of those skills for all visa purposes

Here are the common visa pathways that Civil Engineering Draftsperson graduates can pursue

1. Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485):

• Stay in Australia for 18 months.
• Travel, work or study during your stay in Australia
• Include members of your family
• Become eligible for skilled visas and pathways to permanent residency

To be eligible for this visa, you MUST be:

• be 35 years of age or under when you apply. *Exceptions apply
• be in Australia when you apply for this visa
• hold an eligible visa or have held a Student visa in the last 6 months
• qualify relevant to an occupation on the skilled occupation list
• have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
• provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants when you apply
• provide evidence you have applied for an Australian Federal Police check when you apply.
• provide evidence of the required level of English with your application.

2. Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) – Core Skills Stream

The visa includes the Core Skills Stream, Specialist Skill Stream, and Labour Agreement Stream. With this visa, you can:

• work in Australia for up to 4 years 
• travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
• if eligible, apply for permanent residence

To be eligible for this visa, you MUST be:

• be nominated to work in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• have at least 1 year of relevant work (full-time or 2 years part-time) experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
• have a relevant skills assessment 
• work only for your sponsor or associated entity 
• meet minimum standards of English language proficiency 

Those who successfully acquire further stay visas can be eligible for Skilled Migration. This allows for Permanent Stay in Australia through the following visas:

Skilled Independent (subclass 189) 

• workers with skills can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia
• You don’t need sponsors or nominators
• MUST be invited to apply
• MUST be under 45 years of age

Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)

• You must be nominated by the state or territory
• Must live and work in the nominating state or territory for at least two years
• Study, work, and stay in Australia permanently
• enrol in Australia's public health care scheme, Medicare
• sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
• travel to and from Australia for 5 years
• if eligible, become an Australian citizen

Check specific requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website. This page provides the latest details and eligibility criteria for all relevant visas.

Studyaway is your partner throughout your stay in Australia, and we will guide you every step of the way, from student visas to graduate, work, and permanent residency, through our team of experts.

Start Your Civil Construction Design Journey with Studyaway!

Studying for a Civil Construction Design in Australia offers strong job prospects and the opportunity to make a real difference. 

At Studyaway, we provide expert support to help you choose the right course, manage visa options, and navigate your career path. With our affordable packages, we can make your dream of studying in Australia a reality. 

Here is some further reading to support you

• Choosing the Right Course to Study in Australia: A Guide for International Students
• Navigate to our course page, Advanced Diploma of Civil Construction Design
• Top Course to Study in Australia 
• Student Visa Requirements