Anyone in the construction industry here?

blueoval · 08-03-2007, 03:59 PM

Just wondering who here is in the construction industry?

Doesnt matter what background it is as long as its in building construction.
i.e. architectural, engineering, builder, estimator, surveyor etc.

I am an architectural drafter. Based in adelaide and am mainly involved with residential, low level commercial and some industrial projects.

Whats your background?

XR6TCraig · 08-03-2007, 05:01 PM

I am a plumber with a science degree (no really I kid you not) currently working in the mining industry!

blueoval · 08-03-2007, 05:33 PM

Hi Craig. Plumbers are a hard breed to find in the current market. You'll be on mega $$$ I imagine.

miitch · 08-03-2007, 06:26 PM

3rd year Refrigeration Mechanic here. No good money yet haha

xt3valve · 08-03-2007, 06:32 PM

Im a formwork carpenter. Mainly working with wood. hehehe.

blueoval · 08-03-2007, 06:44 PM

good work. guys.

XR6TCraig · 08-03-2007, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

Hi Craig. Plumbers are a hard breed to find in the current market. You'll be on mega $$$ I imagine.

Everyone working on a minesite is on good money (with one or two exceptions). Thats why I am doing the maint plumbing out there rather than something with the degree. Science pay is crap in this country unfortunately, that is unless you go all the way and become a Doctor. Having said that my Doc jokes that I probably earn more than him.

( I seriously doubt it though)

The great thing is that I work 7 days straight then get 5 days off. Just starting to set up my own business now so that I can work in town for a couple of days during my 5 day break. Then I should be able to rake in a bit more!

mad cow · 08-03-2007, 07:17 PM

im at the bottom end of the industry as im a concretor. i find it ironic that its the only trade with no formal qualification and its our work on which everyone else relies on to put there work onto.

DoreSlamR · 08-03-2007, 07:31 PM

i've got a background in landscaping..and grano's aren't that low on the food chain, i reakon a trowelhand or similar would be around there.
The grano on our site is getting about $80/cubic metre and tools, bobcat and excavator with operators are included - wish i had his gig.

tabletennisman · 08-03-2007, 07:45 PM

I'm a residential drafter. My first job and been doing it for 6 weeks so far and loving it. (i'm 18)

protd · 08-03-2007, 07:56 PM

I'm a builder res/commercial been doing it for 15yrs now including my apprenticeship as a carpenter

GK351 · 08-03-2007, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craiginmackay

I am a plumber with a science degree (no really I kid you not) currently working in the mining industry!

i am also a plumber/gasfitter (no science degree)
i was in Mackay a few months ago and drove to Moranbah i think everyone there works in a mine.

eXi7w0unD · 08-03-2007, 08:48 PM

im a 2nd year apprentice painter, im curently workign on evolution in brisbane city, 42 storeys, the building at 15 storesy atm, 6 units per level less as u go higher. its run buy hutchinsons. i also worked on queen street plaza, brisbane square(20storeys), woolstore 4, and emporium on ann st(9storeys) the eba site and height allouance is fantastic! and in the city is a great perv at the chicks walking round

kenz · 08-03-2007, 08:51 PM

Im about to start my 4th year as a apprentice carpenter in a few weeks. We do high quality architectual residential houses. Im also about to be running my own job what a scary thought

nugget378 · 08-03-2007, 08:57 PM

Plumber here,work mainly on unit and high rise office towers,as a subby,doing more mechanical/aircon lately..

Licensed for LPG as well..

XWildGT · 08-03-2007, 08:59 PM

i am a plasterer run my own business complete linings we do the lot suspended ceilings,steel frame walls (pations),bulkheads curved walls and ceilings etc both commercial and domestic

McobraR · 08-03-2007, 09:10 PM

Been working as an architectural draftsperson/student at a firm in sydney for a little over a week now while studying at uni (3rd year). Did a certificate IV/ and Diploma in Architectural technology at TAFE before getting into uni.

blueoval · 08-03-2007, 09:39 PM

tabletennisman, McobraR - Finally some drafties here. You will find that jobs like ours are needed everywhere. Stick with it. There are huge avenues to take in this field.

Good to see some chippys and more plumbers here too. Havent seen any sparkys though.

Mudzy · 08-03-2007, 09:52 PM

Dogman,Rigger now a Crane Driver ive been doing this type of work for last 24 years.

cuz · 08-03-2007, 09:57 PM

Carpenter here. I do a lot of architectural jobs (aka headache jobs!!! haha...), high end shop fit-outs, some commercial work and most others in between too. I'm one of those carpenters who does most of the work onsite for other trades, so that their jobs are easier. My apprenticeship was great because I worked for a small crew and we did it all from start to finish. It taught me alot and it also taught me that sometimes I can do a better job than other trades at their own jobs.
I love this industry... I can show my kids what I did at work 10 years ago... and its still there!!

McobraR · 08-03-2007, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

tabletennisman, McobraR - Finally some drafties here. You will find that jobs like ours are needed everywhere. Stick with it. There are huge avenues to take in this field.

I Agree. I just gotta get as much experience as possible, cus most jobs here in Sydney want experience. Im just lucky I got this job tho, just hoping the firm has heaps of projects to do cus if they dont, i'l get made redundant which really aint a good thing!

blueoval · 08-03-2007, 11:05 PM

architectural jobs are only good IF they are designed to be buildable and designed right. In my experience I have seen so many fancy projects look good on paper, but the drafter or designer has no clue how he/she is supposed to make it work, and make it work cost effectively, and then they leave it to either the engineer to pick up the peices or for the guys on site to curse and swear at you.

My background consists of lightweight steel framed detailing, architectural drafting, architectural illustrations, on site labourer for my father who is a builder, gyprock fixing, professional painting, bricklaying, you name it, I've had a go, and one thing it taught me was to never take the design work for granted. For a job to work well and the construction to go smooth, its up to the designer to think of ways to make the project look appealing as well as fit all the financial and council criteria.

Just my 2c.

Creampuff · 08-03-2007, 11:08 PM

I am a champion Lego builder.............................just joking

rodderz · 08-03-2007, 11:08 PM

Run my own landscaping business, used to work for a commercial company doing big projects then decided to make money for myself

tabletennisman · 08-03-2007, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

tabletennisman, McobraR - Finally some drafties here. You will find that jobs like ours are needed everywhere. Stick with it. There are huge avenues to take in this field.

Yeh, it seems it's really taking off. Some businesses in Brisbane are already charging 6% of the contract value of the house! Which is around 10k for a set of house plans! Unbelievable. I'm loving it so far. Haven't had one day yet that has seemed to drag on and on

:

kenz · 08-03-2007, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by horangi

Carpenter here. I do a lot of architectural jobs (aka headache jobs!!! haha...), high end shop fit-outs, some commercial work and most others in between too. I'm one of those carpenters who does most of the work onsite for other trades, so that their jobs are easier. My apprenticeship was great because I worked for a small crew and we did it all from start to finish. It taught me alot and it also taught me that sometimes I can do a better job than other trades at their own jobs.
I love this industry... I can show my kids what I did at work 10 years ago... and its still there!!

Thats exactly how my apprenticeship is, the same as what yours was and its great, I learn so much more than most guys

old_mate · 08-03-2007, 11:22 PM

apprentice sparky here. Also got ACMA/Austel license, completing a cert 3 in telecommunications (who knows why)

56L · 08-03-2007, 11:27 PM

plasterer here,most of my work is on masterton and mirvac homes .

Danny · 08-03-2007, 11:31 PM

I'm in the tail end of a Bachelor of Construction Management Degree at Deakin Uni Geelong. I have worked as a Project Co-Ordinator for a medium sized building company, and now I am on the tools. I plan to get as much experience as I can WHILE completing the course.

Once finished, I reckon Ill be on the tools like my old man, Its where I prefer to be. I hate the whole 9-5 office/water cooler convo/"oh **** we're out of arnotts family selection!" thing..... I guess I like to be outside..

blueoval · 08-03-2007, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny

....Once finished, I reckon Ill be on the tools like my old man, Its where I prefer to be. I hate the whole 9-5 office/water cooler convo/"oh **** we're out of arnotts family selection!" thing..... I guess I like to be outside..

Hey man, I live for that life. Dont bag it. Its the only conversation I look forward to.

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