Building Cadet

Worksforyou; Canberra; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live project exposure

Structured training

Mentoring

Performance conversations

Team oriented culture

Safety focus

Job summary

Worksforyou in Canberra is seeking a Building Cadet or Cadet Engineer to join our construction team and gain practical experience on major projects.

You will assist with day‑to‑day coordination, site operations, safety, quality assurance, and documentation, with exposure to procurement and cost control depending on development goals.

This role offers mentoring, hands‑on learning, and a clear pathway to engineering or project management as you progress in Canberra.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and willingness to learn document management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.
• Good organisation, time management and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist Site Manager, Project Manager and Foremen with efficient site operations.
• Coordinate direct labour, plant, subcontractors and site activities.
• Participate in site meetings and safety/environmental discussions.
• Ensure workers are inducted and licences/competencies recorded.
• Support safety inspections, inspections and QA documentation.
• Assist with ITPs, site records and defect management.

Skills

Reading drawings

Microsoft Office

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Building/Engineering qualification in progress

Tools

Document management systems

Job description

Building Cadet & Cadet Engineer

• Excellent Project Exposure
• Competitive Salary
• Culture Driven Business

Are you building a career in construction and looking for practical experience on major projects? Our client is seeking a motivated Building Cadet or Cadet Engineer to join its construction team and develop their skills through meaningful, hands‑on project exposure.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will assist with the day‑to‑day coordination and successful delivery of assigned construction projects. You will gain exposure to site operations, safety, quality assurance, subcontractor coordination, documentation, inspections and project close‑out.

Depending on your background and development goals, the role may provide exposure to both site‑based delivery and broader project management activities, including procurement, cost control, design coordination and trade engagement.

Key responsibilities

• Assist the Site Manager, Project Manager and Foremen with the efficient running of the site.
• Support daily coordination of direct labour, plant, subcontractors and site activities.
• Participate in site briefings, meetings and discussions about work requirements, safety and environmental matters.
• Ensure workers are inducted and that relevant licences and competencies are recorded.
• Support hazard identification, consultation and reporting across the site.
• Participate in safety inspections, spot audits and corrective action follow‑up.
• Assist with recording and investigating incidents, injuries and dangerous occurrences.
• Monitor construction activities against project documentation, approved SWMS and required standards.
• Complete in‑process inspections and check that work is progressing in accordance with drawings, specifications and quality requirements.
• Inspect incoming materials and deliveries.
• Monitor PPE compliance and support a safe, organised site.
• Assist with ITPs, document control, site records and defect management.
• Support the management of defects after project completion.
• For candidates developing toward engineering or project management, assist with tenders, procurement, design resolution, cost control and subcontractor coordination.
• Complete other reasonable duties that support successful project delivery.

About you

We are looking for someone with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and genuine interest in construction. You do not need to know everything on day on but you must be willing to ask questions, take feedback and follow through on your responsibilities.

You will ideally have:

• A relevant trade background, construction qualification or be studying toward a construction‑related qualification in building, engineering or a similar discipline.
• Previous experience on residential or commercial development sites is desirable, but not essential.
• The ability to read and interpret construction drawings and documentation.
• Basic to strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and a willingness to learn document management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good organisation, time management and attention to detail.
• The ability to work collaboratively with trades, subcontractors, consultants and project leaders.
• A reliable, accountable and professional approach.
• The confidence to raise issues early and contribute ideas.

What’s on offer

• Practical exposure to live construction projects and experienced project leaders.
• A genuine pathway to develop your career in construction, engineering or project management.
• Mentoring, on‑the‑job learning and access to structured training.
• Regular conversations about your performance, goals and development.
• A team environment that encourages people to ask for help, share knowledge and grow together.
• A culture built around safety, quality, respect, accountability, integrity and teamwork.
• Opportunities to take on increasing responsibility as your skills and confidence develop.
• Wellbeing initiatives and team activities that support a connected workplace.