What is a Construction White card?

A Construction Industry white card is basically a certificate that shows you have completed the Construction Safety Induction course and allows you to undertake work within the construction sector in Australia.

Australia has very stringent safety requirements for all work places and the construction industry is certainly not excluded form this. Any one wanting to undertake work in this field regardless of the sector must be able to prove they have a basic understanding of the safety protocols and requirements within that sector.

Where can you do this course?

So as an international student undertaking study in Australia you must always do any form of training at a CRICOS registered institution. It does not matter if it is a short one day course like the Construction Industry white card or a Full bachelor program. The institution where you study must be CRICOS registered.

Students often struggle with this because if you were to do a quick google search you will find hundreds of companies offering this certificate in a range of formats. Only a handful of these organizations would be able to deliver the White card as an international student.

If you are looking to undertake this short course, we recommend that you contact your institution as they will generally have a list of organizations that can provide you with this certificate. If they are unable to help, most TAFE institutions deliver this program to International Students.

TAFE institutions

Please see the links below to find a TAFE option that would work for you:

  • QLD – https://tafeqld.edu.au/courses/18519/construction-industry-white-card
  • NSW – https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course-areas/building-and-construction-trades/building-and-construction
  • WA – https://www.centralregionaltafe.wa.edu.au/courses/white-card-skill-set
  • VIC – https://holmesglen.edu.au/Courses/Building-and-Construction/Electrical/Construction-Induction-Card-White-Card-course/
  • NT – https://worksafe.nt.gov.au/licensing-and-registration/white-card
  • SA – https://www.tafesa.edu.au/xml/course/sc/sc_T824179525.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take?

The course is only 1 day in duration.

How much Does it Cost?

$100- $200 (depending on the provider)

When do you get your White card?

Once you have competed the one day course your White card will be posted to you, generally with in 2 weeks. While waiting for the card you can still start work in the construction industry as you will be supplied with your card number while the card is processing.

5 Things to prepare before coming to Study in Australia

1) Accommodation

Accommodation is really important, but what we recommend is to look for some short term accommodation for when you arrive. Wait till you start your classes before committing to any long term options as you will be meeting many people in the exact same position. In that case, getting a share house with your classmates close to your college can save you a lot of money.

2) Bank Account

Most Australian banks will allow you to set up a bank account from offshore. This can be a very handy thing to have set up, that way when you arrive in the country you can have your Debit card issued. You can transfer funds and have any potential earnings paid straight into an Australian account without any delays.

3) Resume + References

If you are coming to Australia to undertake study, you might want to do some part time work. Having a detailed resume (CV) with reference letters is very important. If you are applying for jobs and your references are companies not based in Australia its very unlikely employers will contact them but having a few written references from previous employers could give you the advantage you need to secure employment.

4 Your Australian Tax File Number

Once your visa is Granted you can apply for your Australian Tax File Number. If you intend to work in Australia over the duration of your student visa, you will need a Australian tax file number. Getting this done allows you to get straight to work once you are eligible to do so.

5) Building your Network

This is one of the most important things to do. There is no shortage of International Student groups on Facebook and these groups provide a strong insight in to what is going on in the International Student Community. They post job advertisements, accommodation options, as well as social events. Being apart of this online community can provide you with some huge advantages and help you generate the smoothest transition possible when first arriving and studying in Australia.