Australia’s infrastructure industry is an essential sector that plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s built environment. The industry is responsible for working on projects that form the backbone of the country’s infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, roads, and bridges. This booming industry has a vast impact on the economy, and the opportunities it presents for professionals in the field are nearly limitless.

Australia’s infrastructure landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by a projected population of 40 million by 2059. To meet the demands of this growth, the government has been investing in projects such as intelligent transport, advanced communications, future cities, critical water infrastructure, tourism, warehousing and supply chains. The scale of public infrastructure investment in Australia is huge, with over A$218 billion being poured into various projects. This presents exciting opportunities for businesses and talent alike, with a strong pipeline of projects across the country for years to come.

So, if you’ve been thinking about a career in infrastructure, now is the perfect time. And it may not be as difficult as you think.

What is involved in a job in Infrastructure?

Infrastructure serves as the backbone of our cities, towns, and economic systems, providing an essential link for graduates, career changers, and seasoned professionals to find employment opportunities nationwide. The industry offers a diverse range of positions, from entry-level to senior management.

While the infrastructure industry depends greatly on blue-collar workers who drive the physical development of Australia’s infrastructure, it also offers a diverse range of exciting roles. From planning and public relations to data analysis and engineering, the industry presents endless opportunities. Whether you’re a numbers guru who loves crunching statistics, a natural-born leader who can motivate a team to achieve greatness or a skilled worker who can work wonders with tools, there’s a career path for you. With such a broad spectrum of areas to explore, the infrastructure industry is ripe with possibilities for professionals looking to make their mark.

Skills and characteristics you need to succeed in the infrastructure Industry

Analytical and problem-solving skills

• The industry requires professionals to identify, analyse, and solve complex problems that arise during a project’s lifecycle. Attention to detail is critical, as even minor oversights can have significant consequences.
• An interest in developing technical know-how and/or an understanding of how things work
• This enables professionals to tackle complex, large-scale projects, identify potential issues, and develop effective solutions. Possessing technical know-how contributes to delivering safe, sustainable, and cost-effective infrastructure projects.

• Strong teamwork and management skills
• The industry demands professionals who can work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals and manage projects effectively.

• People skills
• Projects in this sector involve lots of different parties and stakeholders, you’ll need to be willing to learn how to handle varying personalities and characters.

• Flexibility to work outdoors, offshore or abroad.
• This flexibility also provides an opportunity for professionals to gain diverse experiences, expand their skill sets, and work with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
• A passion for the built form
• A passion for the infrastructure and built form environments coupled with your enthusiasm for the position, the people you work with and the value you bring to a project.

Why a career in Infrastructure could be perfect for you

Diverse Career Paths The infrastructure industry offers exciting career opportunities that include working on multi-million dollar projects and travelling to different locations. Whether it’s contract management, project management, project finance management, or project consultancy management, the industry provides a diverse range of opportunities for professionals to develop their skills and work on challenging and rewarding projects.

• Career Growth Opportunities With each project being unique in its size, nature, and deadlines, you’ll find that there’s always something new to learn and challenges to conquer. As you gain experience, there are greater prospects for moving up the career ladder into more senior positions.
• Security and Stability The industry is showing no signs of slowing down. With the world’s population growing and demographics shifting, there is always increasing demand for housing, power, and other essential infrastructure amenities. Therefore, job stability and security are relatively high in this field, and you can have peace of mind knowing that your job is secure.
• Development and Salary Employers in the infrastructure industry offer attractive salaries and benefits to attract and retain top talent. Due to the sector’s dynamic nature, professionals must upgrade their skills and adapt to changing trends continually. This demand for ongoing learning and agility is rewarded with competitive compensation at every stage of the career.
• Purpose-driven work The infrastructure industry is a vital force that shapes our collective future by building new and innovative structures, improving the quality of life for people, and driving economic growth. The work is highly rewarding, as it instils a deep sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from knowing that you’re making a positive impact on society.
• Travel and Offshore Career Opportunities One of the great benefits of the infrastructure industry is the opportunity to work on projects in different regions and countries, providing exposure to diverse cultures. Contributing your expertise to projects in various locations can broaden your professional network, offer international work experience, and improve your career prospects. This experience can enrich your skills and offer a unique perspective, making you a valuable asset to future employers.

The infrastructure industry is currently experiencing high demand for projects, making it a great time to join this dynamic field. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced professional seeking a new challenge, there are diverse roles available that cater to different skill sets and interests. With attractive compensation packages, career progression opportunities, and job stability, infrastructure could be the ideal career path for you. As you contribute to shaping Australia’s infrastructure future, start exploring your options and find the perfect fit in this thriving industry.

You can browse our latest available infrastructure roles here or get in touch with our dedicated infrastructure consultant for personalised guidance.