This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.
Explore all careersHow do I become a General Hand?
Get qualified to work as a General Hand with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to General Hand
Common questions
In Australia, a full time General Hand generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
This industry is likely to experience a strong growth in employment numbers in coming years. There are currently 38,200 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a General Hand. General Hands may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
If a career as a General Hand interests you, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Civil Construction. You’ll develop the skills to start work in road, bridge or tunnel construction. This course covers topics including reading plans and job specifications, using a range of hand and power tools and performing accurate measurements and calculations.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)?
16th February 2022
The Power Of Delegation
1st June 2019All general hand courses
- TLI11321 Certificate I in Supply Chain Operations
- 22499VIC Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational)
- MEM20219 Certificate II in Engineering - Production Technology
- CPCCCM2008 Erect and Dismantle Restricted Height Scaffolding
- RII20120 Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation
- CPC10120 Certificate I in Construction
- 22302VIC Certificate I in Work Education
- MEM20105 Certificate II in Engineering
- RII20520 Certificate II in Resource Processing
- 22614VIC Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship (Bricklaying)
- 10897NAT Certificate II in Indigenous Housing Repairs and Maintenance
- MEM20105 Certificate II in Engineering - Production
- CPCCSC2002 Erect and Dismantle Basic Scaffolding
- RIICOM201E Communicate in the Workplace
- 11005NAT Certificate I in Preparation for Work and Training
- MEM20105 Certificate II in Engineering (Heavy Fabrication)
- AHC20720 Certificate II in Nursery Operations (Nursery Production, Retail Nursery)
- MEM10119 Certificate I in Engineering
- MEM11011 Undertake Manual Handling
- 22555VIC Certificate I in Initial Adult Literacy and Numeracy
- CPC20120 Certificate II in Construction
- 22632VIC Certificate II in Engineering Studies
- 11041NAT Certificate II in Further Study Skills
- 22566VIC Certificate I in Work Education
- 52860WA Certificate I in Industrial Skills (Entry Level Training)
- MEM20422 Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
- 22473VIC Certificate II in General Education for Adults
General Hand careers
A General Hand takes on various duties on a construction or building site. You might set up equipment or move building materials where they’re needed. General Hands might load and unload supplies or prepare a site for work by removing debris and unwanted materials. You might dig holes and trenches or erect temporary fencing as instructed.
General Hands should be flexible and willing to perform a range of tasks. You’ll need to be physically fit and able to carry out heavy lifting when required. General Hands must be able to work outdoors in a range of weather conditions. It’s important you can work as part of a team and follow directions closely.
