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Civil, construction and industrial recruitment. Register interest or search openings; skilled positions and longer training programs have different entry conditions.
AUSTRALIA · JOB GUIDE
Scaffold, rigging & crane-crew support jobs in Australia
These crews assemble access systems or move and position loads. Ground support can involve organising components and keeping an area clear, but licensed work is a separate responsibility. It is a pathway to investigate once you know you like site work.
Illustrative photo
This could suit you if…
You want to support a specialist site crew and are comfortable following precise instructions around equipment.
The trade-offs
Ground assistance is different from licensed scaffolding, dogging or rigging. Do not assume an assistant vacancy allows you to perform those duties.
What does the work involve?
Ground-support work can involve sorting components, preparing the work area and moving materials under instruction. It is a useful way to learn how a specialist crew operates.
The boundary matters: assembling scaffolding, slinging loads and directing lifting operations can be licensed activities, not casual extensions of a labouring shift.
Will it fit my trip?
Choose extra training only after discussing a realistic pathway with employers. Course cost, assessment, licence application and practical experience are separate considerations.
Confirm how components are handled, where exclusion zones are and who is authorised to give instructions during lifting. Keep to the assigned role even when the crew is busy.
What do I need before applying?
Construction induction is the starting point for construction sites. High-risk scaffolding, dogging, rigging and crane operations need the relevant licence or lawful supervised training arrangement.
Ask exactly what ground duties are permitted and who supervises you. A White Card alone does not qualify you to perform the licensed work.
Which training is worth doing?
Construction induction / White Card
For construction duties, use your state regulator’s approved training route. The NSW page explains its process; other jurisdictions have their own delivery rules.
High-risk work training
Choose a registered provider for the licence class the role actually needs. Training and assessment are followed by the regulator’s licensing process.
TCP Training — White Card in Sydney
TCP’s published NSW White Card price is $119 (15 October 2026). Classroom courses run in Sydney and surrounding suburbs. A USI and original identification are required; session times appear in the booking calendar.
View course and booking details
TCP Training — White Card in Melbourne or Perth
TCP’s published White Card prices are $129 in Melbourne and $95 in Perth (15 October 2026). These are separate state course listings; the booking calendar supplies each venue and session.
View course and booking details
MultiSkills Training — work safely at heights
Victorian training option for roles that specifically require heights competence. It does not grant a scaffolding, dogging or rigging licence.
View course and booking details
Pinnacle — work safely at heights, Brisbane
Practical training in fall-prevention and fall-arrest equipment. Relevant when the job includes height work; it does not qualify you to erect scaffolding or perform licensed rigging. The provider’s location page lists booking availability.
View the Brisbane heights course
Priced Brisbane alternative: Harness Energy
RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights: one day, 8am–4:30pm, with Brisbane sessions listed at $265. Use this when height work is part of the job. It does not replace a high-risk work licence for scaffolding or rigging.
Harness Energy course and Brisbane dates · checked 23 October 2026.
Companies and application routes
Find employers and recruitment contacts below.
Australia · recruitment portal
WorkPac
WorkPac recruits labourers and trades assistants for mining, industrial and energy projects. Search by job title and location; compare each role’s tickets, experience, roster and transport requirements.
How do I put together a good application?
Search scaffold labourer, scaffold yard hand or rigging trades assistant, then check the licence column. Many similar titles are for experienced licensed workers.
List relevant site experience and existing tickets. Explain if you are seeking a ground-support entry role rather than claiming to be a rigger.
How much does it pay?
On-site construction pay combines a classification rate with the allowances and loading that apply to the job. The current award classification rates start as follows.
| Role / shift | Hourly pay |
|---|---|
| CW/ECW 1(a) — classification base | $26.67 |
| CW/ECW 1(d) — classification base | $28.05 |
| CW/ECW 2 — classification base | $28.62 |
Building and Construction General On-site Award, clause 19, effective 1 July 2026. These are adult base classification rates before industry and other applicable allowances, casual loading, overtime and super; they are not complete casual pay offers.
The duties and experience determine the level. Licensed scaffolding, rigging or plant operation must not be treated as unskilled labouring simply because the advert includes “assistant”.
Sources and further reading
Construction induction / White Card
Fair Work: find the applicable award
TCP Training — White Card in Sydney
TCP Training — White Card in Melbourne or Perth
MultiSkills Training — work safely at heights
Sources checked 17 October 2026.