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Apprenticeships
SA Construct runs a strong apprenticeship program developing the next generation of trades. Our crews clad and roof schools, hospitals, civic buildings and towers across South Australia. This page explains how an apprenticeship works and how to apply.
There is no single "facade installer" qualification. People who clad and roof commercial buildings come up through a handful of trades, each a four-year Certificate III done on the job with a training provider.
Roof plumbing (CPC32620 Certificate III in Roof Plumbing). Metal roofs, gutters, flashings and wall cladding. TAFE SA delivers it over 48 months at Tonsley, with day classes and a contract of training with your employer. Roof plumbers in South Australia must be registered to do plumbing work once qualified.
Carpentry (CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry). Framing, fixing and the structure behind the cladding. TAFE SA delivers it over 48 months under a contract of training, and it is on the 2026 Fee Free TAFE list.
Glass and glazing (MSF30422 Certificate III in Glass and Glazing). Glazed facades, windows and doors. TAFE SA delivers it over 48 months at Tonsley, and it is on the 2026 Fee Free TAFE list.
Fee Free TAFE covers tuition only. Whether a course is on the list can change, so check with TAFE SA when you start.
Apprentices are paid a wage from day one. It is at least the award rate, and it goes up each year of the apprenticeship. The rate depends on the award, your year, your age when you start and whether you finished Year 12, so use the Fair Work pay calculator to check the current figures.
You may also be eligible for government support while you train. An Apprenticeship Network provider can tell you what applies to you.
Students in Years 10 to 13 can start a paid school-based apprenticeship, working part of the week and counting the training towards their SACE. Carpentry and roof plumbing are both listed as school-based pathways. South Australia's technical colleges also teach building and construction to senior students.
Anyone who works on a construction site in Australia needs a White Card first. You get it by completing a short course (CPCWHS1001) with a registered training provider.
An apprenticeship is a real job. Your child is employed, paid a wage and signed to a training contract, and they finish with a nationally recognised trade qualification and four years of work behind them.
Training happens in two places: on our sites, alongside qualified tradespeople, and at the training provider, usually TAFE SA. Almost one in five trade apprenticeships end in the first year, and most that end do so because of problems at work, so ask any employer how the first year is supported. We are happy to answer that.
Work at height is part of facade and roofing work. Read how we approach safety on site.
Questions
Most construction trades are a four-year Certificate III, done on the job with a training provider.
Yes. You are an employee on at least the award rate, and it rises each year. The Fair Work pay calculator shows the current rates.
Yes. School-based apprenticeships run alongside Years 10 to 13 and count towards your SACE.
Yes. Anyone working on a construction site needs one. It is a short course with a registered training provider.
A nationally recognised Certificate III in your trade, such as Roof Plumbing, Carpentry or Glass and Glazing.
Not as a single course. Facade and cladding installers come through roof plumbing, carpentry or glazing, and learn the facade work on the job.
Yes. Apprenticeships are not only for school leavers.
Email your resume and latest school report to info@saconstruct.com.au and tell us which trade interests you.