Charles Darwin University (CDU TAFE)
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Become a qualified builder or construction supervisor with this nationally accredited Certificate IV. Learn structural principles, safety management, contract administration, and project supervision to launch a career in the building and construction industry.
Candidates should have completed English and Maths to Year 12 standard or equivalent. Mature-aged students with industry skills and knowledge are welcome. Completion of a Certificate III Trade Certificate is beneficial. Confident computer literacy is required. All candidates are expected to have or obtain a White Card (construction induction training). A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy evaluation helps identify support needs.
Core units cover applying building codes and standards, managing work health and safety, planning construction work, supervising site communication and administration, applying legal requirements, applying structural principles to residential and commercial constructions, reading and interpreting plans and specifications, preparing building sketches and drawings, applying site surveys and set-out procedures, and minimising waste. Elective units allow specialisation in either Building (project quality management, contract administration, cost estimation, labour and material scheduling, material procurement, energy-efficient building science) or Site Management (tender documentation, resource arrangement, team leadership, concrete supervision, and business finances).
CDU is the Northern Territory's largest training provider with access to specialised trade training facilities and industry-standard technologies. Instructors are experienced former tradies with solid practical knowledge. The institution offers recognition of prior learning to help students qualify faster, and provides pathways into higher education for most courses. Students graduate workplace-ready with practical skills and industry connections.
Graduates can pursue careers as Builders, Construction Supervisors, Site Managers, Site Supervisors, or Leading Hands in the building and construction industry. The qualification provides pathways to further study including Building and Construction Diploma and Construction Administration courses. Credit may be available into higher education courses, with up to 40 credit points recognised in related Bachelor degree programs.
