Browse Labourer jobs

A love of the outdoors and getting your hands dirty is essential if you would like to become a labourer.

A labourer undertakes manual laboring tasks on building and construction sites mainly outdoors and generally in hot, dirty and dusty conditions. It's often physically demanding and very tiring.

The type of work they do depends on the site they are working on but usually includes digging trenches, helping to erect scaffolding, mixing and spreading concrete, unloading and carrying materials and equipment and removing rubbish. They generally work alongside painters, builders, plasterers, and carpenters.

Labourers usually work Monday to Friday, but sometimes weekend work is involved. They usually start work early in the day.

Labourers need to be familiar with lots of different tools and equipment including using a wheelbarrow, jackhammer or cement mixer.

Labourers who help to remove lead, asbestos and other hazardous materials need specialised safety training and certification. Some tools and machines are computerized and require technical knowledge.

Labourers often advance to become supervisors and foremen.

Responsibilities & Skills

Labourers are primarily the physical grunt on a building and construction site. They are responsible for unloading, carrying and stacking building materials, tools and equipment.
They may dig trenches using hand tools or jackhammers to break up rock and concrete, help to erect and dismantle scaffolding, mix and spread concrete, use wheelbarrows to remove rubbish from building sites and clean surfaces for painters.

- Extremely physically fit
- Enjoy outdoor, practical work
- Work as part of a team
- Follow instructions

Required Qualifications

• Certificate – Construction
• Certificate – Industrial Skills

Useful Links

• Australian Construction Association
• Australian Institute of Building