General Hand Courses
A General Hand performs various tasks on construction sites, including moving materials, setting up equipment, digging, and site preparation.
AI Exposure
High
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a General Hand
Get qualified to work as a General Hand with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
CPC20120
Duration
9 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, RPL, Traineeship
Thinking about a career in construction but not sure if it’s for you? The CPC20120 Certificate II in Construction will prepare you for work as a labourer on a construction site, but it’s also a great pre-apprenticeship program. Over 6-12 months of study you will learn how to safely use standard tools, take measurements, perform calculations and levelling, work at heights, and carry out basic concreting. The course also covers excavation and demolition work.
Enquire now for the list of study units and enro...
Career opportunities
Duration
9 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, RPL, Traineeship
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22473VIC
Duration
4 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The 22473VIC Certificate II in General Education for Adults is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you for the workplace or academic studies. If you missed a lot of school or didn’t have access to consistent teaching, this is the course for you. You’ll establish career goals, assemble a portfolio, learn how to research a project — and gain other real work skills in reading, writing, public speaking, maths calculations. PLEASE NOTE: this course also has a module of defence force entrants.
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Career opportunities
Duration
4 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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CPC10120
Duration
4 days - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Traineeship
Get a real start in the construction industry with the CPC10120 Certificate I in Construction. It’s a hands-on qualification — completed over 11 weeks at a state-of-the-art training facility — that prepares you for a trade apprenticeship. You’ll graduate job-ready and knowing how to undertake a basic construction project, work safely, handle construction materials, use essential tools and equipment PLUS the skills to interpret plans and specifications.
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Career opportunities
Duration
4 days - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Traineeship
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MEM20422
Duration
4 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
The MEM20422 Certificate II in Engineering Pathways prepares you for an engineering apprenticeship or for higher education in the sector. This nationally recognised qualification will help you map out a career plan in the engineering and manufacturing industry, plus give you essential skills in welding, soldering, power tools and equipment. Graduate with a head start for an apprenticeship opportunity or for further study.
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Career opportunities
Duration
4 weeks - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to General Hand.
Common questions
How much does a General Hand earn?
In Australia, a full time General Hand generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a General Hand?
This industry is likely to experience a strong growth in employment numbers in coming years. There are currently 38,200 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a General Hand. General Hands may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a General Hand?
If a career as a General Hand interests you, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Civil Construction. You’ll develop the skills to start work in road, bridge or tunnel construction. This course covers topics including reading plans and job specifications, using a range of hand and power tools and performing accurate measurements and calculations.
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More information
A General Hand takes on various duties on a construction or building site. You might set up equipment or move building materials where they’re needed. General Hands might load and unload supplies or prepare a site for work by removing debris and unwanted materials. You might dig holes and trenches or erect temporary fencing as instructed.
General Hands should be flexible and willing to perform a range of tasks. You’ll need to be physically fit and able to carry out heavy lifting when required. General Hands must be able to work outdoors in a range of weather conditions. It’s important you can work as part of a team and follow directions closely.
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