Where subcontract work actually comes from
Most subcontract work in construction is given to people the company already knows or who come recommended. Builders let trade packages to trade companies they trust, and trade companies fill their crews with subbies they have used before. That is why the first job with a new company is the hardest, and every job after it gets easier.
The practical answer is to be visible in the places companies look when their usual people are busy, and to make a strong first impression when they do find you.
- Trade companies in your trade that need extra hands in busy periods
- Builders and head contractors letting smaller packages directly
- Job platforms and Crew Calls where companies post work
- Your own network: past employers, suppliers and other trades on site
- Industry associations and local trade groups
Get your paperwork ready before you apply
Companies check the same things for almost every subbie. A general construction induction card (White Card) is needed for construction work, and NSW accepts cards issued in other states and territories. Many trades also need a licence: In NSW you need a contractor licence for residential building or trade work valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials, including GST. In Queensland the QBCC generally requires a licence for building work valued over $3,300. Specialist work, including electrical wiring, plumbing, drainage, gasfitting and air conditioning and refrigeration, needs a licence whatever it costs.
You will also need an ABN to invoice as a subcontractor, and most head contractors ask for public liability insurance before you start. Have current copies ready to send.
- White Card (general construction induction)
- Trade or contractor licence where your state requires one
- High risk work licences for the plant or access equipment you use
- ABN and insurance certificates
- A short list of recent jobs and who you did them for
Build a profile that answers the company’s questions
When a company is short-staffed they want to know four things fast: can you do this work, are you licensed for it, can you get to site, and when can you start. A profile that answers those questions on one screen gets more replies than a long CV.
On SubbieSpace that profile is your Work Passport. It brings your trade, experience, tickets, licences and availability together, and you can set your suburb and travel radius so companies within range can see you.
Apply like you have already done the job
Read the post properly, then reply to what it asks. Mention similar work you have done, confirm the dates and the location, and say what you bring, such as tools, a vehicle or an offsider. Short, specific applications stand out because most are not.
Apply early. Companies posting a Crew Call often need people within days, and the first suitable applicants usually get the call.
Turn one job into repeat work
Turn up on time, communicate when something changes and leave the site clean. Those habits are what get you rehired. At the end of the job, ask whether they will have more work and keep in touch.
Companies on SubbieSpace can save the subbies they rate and invite them straight back to future Crew Calls, so doing a good job puts you on their list for next time.
Sources: White cards (SafeWork NSW) · Checking your contractor or tradesperson is qualified (NSW Government) · When you need a licence (QBCC) · ABN Lookup (Australian Business Register)
Find subcontractor work near you on SubbieSpace
SubbieSpace is free for subcontractors. Put your trade, tickets and availability in one Work Passport, search Crew Calls from trade companies near you, and keep every application in one place.
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