You’ve probably asked yourself, “What is a white card” and “How to get a white card” if you are thinking about getting started in a construction career in Australia.
It seems like there’s always new construction going on in Australia’s major cities. Between infrastructure projects, public transport and residential works, construction is one of the largest employers in the country.
Construction sites are dynamic and challenging environments, but they offer rewarding careers.
To protect your safety, as well as the safety of other tradespeople and the general public, you must prove you are prepared to work safely in the construction industry.
An active white card is a prerequisite before walking onto a construction site, no matter where you are in the country.
We’ve answered some of the major questions we get from those wanting to enter the construction industry below!
What is a white card?
A white card is a requirement for people, such as site managers, labourers, and other workers, who want to work in construction. It is the commonly used name for the General Construction Induction Card given to those who completed the required course.
How do I get a white card?
To receive your card you must complete Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (CPCCWHS1001), a mandatory general construction induction training course, through a nationally accredited training provider.
How to get a white card in NSW?
To obtain a white card in New South Wales (NSW), you must be at least 14 years old and must complete a white card course with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Your RTO will submit your application and provide a statement of attainment that can be used as proof for 60 days until you receive your official card from Safework NSW.
How to get a white card in QLD?
Your RTO will issue your card upon successful completion of the required white card training.
Read more about general construction induction in QLD here.
How to get a white card in Victoria?
CERT offers the mandatory CPCCWHS1001 course through its accredited teams. The process to receive your physical card might vary slightly by state, so check with CERT or your local training provider for the exact steps.
Enrol in the nationally recognised CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry course in Victoria here. Once you completed the training course, your RTO will process and submit your application forms with WorkSafe Victoria on your behalf.
Most courses are run face-to-face over one day.
How long does it take to get a white card?
In Victoria, the course is facilitated via face-to-face training and will run for at least 6 hours. You should expect your card issued by WorkSafe Victoria two weeks after completing the course. The same timeframe applies in the ACT.
For other states such as NSW, your card will usually arrive within 30 days.
Do white cards expire?
How long does a white card last? White cards have no expiration date. However, if you have not worked in the construction industry for 2 years or more at any time you are encouraged to complete the white card training again to refresh your safety knowledge.
Can I use my card to work in any state?
Yes, it allows you to carry out construction work in any Australian State. This was also known as the Red, Green or Blue Cards depending on your State or Territory previously. It is now standardised and nationally recognised with each state issuing its own Construction Induction Card that can be used anywhere. You must keep this available for inspection whenever you are on a construction site.
What is white card training?
This training is a construction induction course that will cover all aspects of working safely on a construction site. In the CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry course you will learn:
- Overview of rights, responsibilities and roles of holders
- Duty of care requirements
- Identify hazards and risk control measures
- Health and safety communication and reporting processes
- Incident and emergency response procedures
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering working in the construction industry then you must have your white card before you can start work. Once you have this you will be able to work safely on construction sites anywhere in Australia.
Construction careers can be lucrative, exciting and challenging. They can take you to many places and work with others on projects big and small.
Get your career and earnings on the right track, speak to CERT today about getting this mandatory requirement.
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