A Certificate I in Construction (CPC10120) is an entry-level qualification that introduces you to the building and construction industry. It gives you the foundation skills and knowledge to confidently pursue a trade apprenticeship in carpentry, bricklaying, tiling, painting and more.
What does the course cover?
The CPC10120 covers the basics you need to get started in the industry. You will complete 8 core units and 3 elective units, covering topics like: work health and safety requirements on construction sites, how to use basic construction tools and materials, reading and interpreting plans and specifications, taking measurements and carrying out calculations, and communicating effectively in a workplace environment.
The qualification is built around a basic construction project, so you get to apply these skills in a practical context rather than just theory.
Who is it for?
The Cert I is designed for people with no previous experience in the construction industry. It is suitable for school leavers exploring a trade career, VET in Schools students, and anyone who wants a foot in the door before committing to a full apprenticeship. There are no formal entry requirements, though you will need to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment before enrolment.
What can you do after a Certificate I in Construction?
The Cert I is a starting point, not a destination. Once you have completed it, the most common next step is entering a trade apprenticeship. At Everthought, we offer apprenticeship training across a range of trades including carpentry, bricklaying, wall and floor tiling, painting and decorating, and concreting. Each of these leads to a nationally recognised Certificate III qualification.
If you already have some construction experience under your belt, you may be able to skip straight to a Certificate III through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which assesses your existing skills rather than putting you through training you do not need.
For those who want to move into site supervision or management down the track, a Certificate III is typically the first step toward a Certificate IV in Building and Construction and eventually a builder’s licence.
Is the Certificate I in Construction the right place to start?
It depends on where you are starting from. If you have no industry experience and want a structured introduction before committing to a full apprenticeship, the Cert I is a solid option. It shows employers you are serious and gives you a baseline understanding of how construction sites work before you hit the tools full time.
If you are already working in a trade or have significant hands-on experience, the Cert I is probably not necessary. In that case, it is worth speaking to our team about whether an apprenticeship or RPL pathway suits you better.
Study the Certificate I in Construction at Everthought
Everthought delivers the CPC10120 Certificate I in Construction at our purpose-built campuses in Brisbane and Perth. Our trainers bring over 10 years of real trade experience to the classroom, so you are learning from people who have actually done the work.
If you are ready to get started or want to find out more about your options, get in touch with our team today.
