Starting a career in civil construction can be difficult for people who are unsure what working on a construction site is really like or whether the industry is right for them. Civil Safety’s Try-A-Trade Program provides a practical introduction to the civil construction industry, giving participants the opportunity to experience core site activities, learn about workplace safety and develop an understanding of the career pathways available across Queensland’s growing infrastructure sector.
The program combines practical activities with industry knowledge and workplace preparation, helping participants build confidence and develop an understanding of the skills, behaviours and safety awareness expected on civil construction sites. It also provides a valuable foundation for those considering further training or a future career in areas such as road construction, earthworks, drainage, site preparation and civil infrastructure.
Infrastructure Ready Program
Learning by Doing: Practical Industry Experience
A key component of the Try-A-Trade Program is its hands-on learning experience. Participants have the opportunity to take part in practical activities in a safe and supervised environment designed to reflect the conditions and expectations of a civil construction workplace.
Infrastructure Ready Program
Working alongside experienced trainers, participants develop confidence and gain a better understanding of how civil construction projects operate. The focus extends beyond completing individual activities to developing the safety mindset, communication skills, teamwork and workplace awareness required across civil construction projects.
Participants are introduced to the importance of working safely around construction activities, equipment, vehicles and mobile plant, while developing an appreciation of how different roles contribute to the successful completion of civil infrastructure projects.
Developing Foundational Civil Construction Skills
Throughout the Try-a-Trade Program, participants are introduced to the core skills and knowledge used every day on civil construction sites.
Practical activities may include:
Workplace inductions and pre-start meetings
Identifying hazards and understanding site risks
Safe work practices and the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Using common hand and power tools safely
Taking basic measurements and understanding levels and dimensions
Introduction to site preparation and construction activities
Understanding basic civil construction processes
Awareness of traffic management and working around mobile plant
Workplace communication and teamwork
Maintaining a safe, clean and organised work area
These experiences help participants understand the day-to-day expectations of working in civil construction while developing the practical skills, confidence and safety awareness needed to take the next step into further training or employment.
A Safe Introduction to Civil Construction Sites
The Try-A-Trade Program provides participants with valuable exposure to civil construction workplace conditions while maintaining a strong focus on safety, supervision and appropriate levels of participation.
Activities are delivered in simulated workplace environments that reflect real civil construction scenarios. Participants may gain an understanding of industry practices such as plant pre-start inspections, exclusion zones, traffic awareness, site communication and the importance of maintaining separation from mobile plant and vehicles.
Where plant and equipment are incorporated into activities, the focus is on safety awareness, workplace communication and understanding site procedures. Participants do not undertake high-risk work or operate licensed high-risk plant as part of the Try-A-Trade Program.
This approach allows participants to develop a realistic understanding of civil construction workplaces while learning in a controlled environment.
Building Pathways to the Infrastructure Ready Program
For many participants, the Try-A-Trade Program is the first step towards a career in civil construction.
After gaining an understanding of the industry and developing confidence through practical activities, participants may be well placed to progress into the Infrastructure Ready Program. This provides an opportunity to build on their initial experience through accredited training, employability development and structured workplace learning.
The Infrastructure Ready Program helps prepare participants for entry-level employment opportunities across Queensland’s civil construction and infrastructure industry, providing a pathway to develop further skills and gain experience relevant to projects such as road construction, earthworks, drainage and other civil infrastructure works.
Taking the Next Step
The Try-A-Trade Program is more than an introduction to construction. It provides participants with an opportunity to experience the civil construction industry firsthand and understand what it takes to work safely and effectively on a civil construction site.
Infrastructure Ready Program
By participating in practical activities, participants can build confidence, develop foundational workplace skills and gain a clearer understanding of the career opportunities available across Queensland’s civil construction and infrastructure sector.
For those who decide that civil construction is the right career pathway, the Try-A-Trade Program can provide a valuable first step towards further accredited training, workplace experience and long-term employment.
Learn More
To learn more or secure a place in an upcoming Try-A-Trade Program, contact Civil Safety today to discuss upcoming program dates, eligibility requirements and available locations across Queensland.