So you are thinking about taking the leap and owner building your own project? Why not, maybe you could save some money doing it yourself. But one thing to do before you start hammering away, is to complete an owner builder course. What is this course I speak of? Keep reading below to find out more on how to start an owner builders course and what to expect.
What is the owner builders course?
The owner builders course is a compulsory course that anyone who is looking to owner build must complete. Whether you are a builder, tradesperson, teacher or chef you must complete this course. In fact, you will not be able to obtain a construction certificate without supplying your builders information, or in this case, your owner builders permit.
What you will learn from an owner builder course
Below are a few things you might expect to learn by completing an owner builder course:
- Occupational health and safety requirements and your responsibility in setting up and maintaining a safe working environment.
- Skills and an understanding of supervising construction and the management of issues that may arise throughout the build.
- Building work compliance according to the building code of Australia and Australian standards.
- Reading and interpreting plans and specifications.
- The importance of contracts, creating and management with suppliers and contractors.
- The importance of effective communication.
- Knowledge regarding estimating and forecasting, job costings and maintaining cash flow.
Owner builders course units of competency
There are five nationally recognised units of competency incorporated within the owner builders course. All units must be completed in full and a pass mark achieved to receive an owner builders certificate. The units are outlined below:
- CPCCCM1011A: Undertake basic estimation and costing.
- CPCCCM1013A: Planning and organising work.
- CPCCCM1014A: Conducting effective workplace communication.
- CPCCCM2001A: Read and interpret plans and specifications
- CPCCOH2001A: Apply OHS requirements and procedures in the construction industry
Remember you will need to obtain a general induction card (white card), which is separate from most owner builders courses. However, most companies that off the owner builder course also offer the white card training as well. It is recommended to obtain this before starting the owner builders course.
So, how do I start an owner builders course?
These days starting an owner builders course could never be easier. There are a heap of registered training operators that can provide the course online. Which, sometimes make it a little overwhelming. The course can be completed in your own time and at your own pace.
Each unit that makes up the course has to be completed. The units are made up of the information needed to pass the assessment at the end of the course.
How long does the course take?
it is expected that the owner builder course will roughly take on average 100 hours to complete. Or, approximately 4 weeks.
Although, if you have prior knowledge and experience, you may be able to complete this course much faster. Most training providers also offer RPL, recognised prior learning.
I did my course through 101ED and they were able to grant me RPL. I had already previously completed a certificate IV in building. Therefore, I had completed the same units in the owner builder course that were a part of the cert IV course.
At the end of your training you will have to undertake an assessment. You can expect the assessment will take approximately 12-15 hours to complete. Again, if you have prior knowledge and experience you may complete the owner builder course assessment faster.
Generally, most owner builder course training providers allow participants 6 months to complete this course. The course can be paused and resumed at anytime.
The best course providers
With the amount of owner builder course training providers out on the market now, it is overwhelming on who to sign up with. So who do we recommend to be the best owner builder course provider?
To be honest, we might be a little bias but I really though www.101ed.com,au were great. There course was everything they said it will be. There platform was easy to use and not buggy like some others. Most importantly, I received my certificate straight away upon completion.
Remember though, 101ED is who I chose to go through and I had a good experience with them. So I may be a little bias, others might not agree. So please do some research before selecting an owner builder course training provider. Below is a small list of other providers we have heard good things about:
- Owner builder centre
- Saferite
- Also check out MySkills.gov for a list of current owner builder course training providers.