White Card Australia: Why International Students Need It?

Studying in Australia is very demanding, but also very expensive. If the insane cost of living wasn’t enough, you will also have to manage your food expenses, your rent, your tuition fees, and travel expenses. Doesn’t all this sound incredibly depressing? We’re sure it does, but we also know what you are thinking: Wait, I can get a casual, part-time job to support myself, right? And yeah, you can do that, but if you are an international student, there is one non-negotiable requirement that you’ll have to fulfill. See, there is one area where you can very easily get high-paying casual work, that being the construction industry. What you need before entering any construction site is a White Card Australia, also known as a ‘General Construction Induction Training’ card. To get a card in the first place, you need to complete a course labeled as CPCWHS1001, and in this blog, that is exactly what we’ll be discussing!

What Exactly Is An Australian White Card?

Let’s start with the basics: what is a White Card Australia? An Australian White Card is a mandatory, nationally recognized identification card that serves as proof that you have completed the CPCWHS1001 course. The CPCWHS1001 course is a basic work health and safety (WHS) training course for the construction industry.

There are four points you need to keep in mind when applying for an Australian White Card: these are-

WHS Legislative Requirements:-

You understand your rights and responsibilities under the workplace safety laws of Australia.

Safe Work Practices:-

Learning how to identify hazards and assess risks, such as working at heights, manual handling, or managing asbestos.

Emergency Procedures:-

 Knowing how to respond to common workplace emergencies like fire, accidents, or injuries.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):-

Understanding what gear is required for various tasks and how to use it properly.

Why The White Card Is Your Student Job Game-Changer?

There are many reasons why getting a White Card is your best bet if you want to get a high-paying job as a student in Australia. Let us look at some of the reasons that make getting a White Card worth it.

1) The Significant Paycheck Boost:-

A student working at your standard retail store or a cafe earns between $22 AUD and $28 AUD an hour. On the contrary, even a basic construction worker with a White Card can earn between $30 AUD and $40 AUD an hour.

2) Ultimate Flexibility for your Roster:-

Labour-hire agencies can assign you to jobs that fit your schedule as a student. You can get daytime shifts or evening shifts, depending on whether you are free or not at the moment. A regular daytime shift lasts from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

3) Zero Experience Required:-

The best thing about getting a White Card Australia is that you don’t need any kind of prior work experience to get a job. The jobs are pretty much entry-level, such as housekeeping, moving materials, assisting tradespeople, and ensuring safety.

How To Get Certified For A White Card Online?

Getting a White Card online is actually a lot easier than you might think it is. Although the method of training depends on the state in which your RTO is based, there is one point of confusion you first need to clear up. Unfortunately, not all states allow you to get a White Card online. Some states, like Queensland and Western Australia, allow you to get a White Card entirely online, whereas getting a Victoria White Card or White Card Australia NSW New South Wales, is not possible through online media.

You can attend virtual classrooms; however, they are perhaps the most commonly used method that students use to get a White Card online. All you need to do is join a live, scheduled class delivered by an RTO through Zoom or similar software. Remember to keep your camera and microphone on, and you can interact with the instructor and other students in real-time. This method also satisfies the strict verification requirements of Australian states.

Here are the steps that you need to take to get a verified White Card online in Australia.

Step 1) Choose a Registered Training Organization:-

First, find a reliable and trusted RTO that is authorized to offer a CPCWHS1001 course. Also, check whether they provide an online course or not, if that’s alright with you.

Step 2) Book and Prepare:-

Next, you’ll have to book a specific date and time for the virtual session. Also, be prepared with your 100 points of ID, and don’t forget to have a stable internet connection along with a functional webcam and microphone.

Step 3) Complete the Training:-

Now, the most important step, sit through the 6-8 hours of training and complete the course. The instructor will guide you through modules such as hazard identification, risk assessment, and emergency procedures. If you need help to prepare for your CPCWHS1001 course in any state, India Assignment Help is here for you!

Step 4) Receive your Certificate:-

At the end, you will receive your Statement of Attainment from your RTO. This is a temporary certificate; you will soon receive your plastic White Card within a few weeks. You can start applying for jobs with a Statement of Attainment as soon as you receive it.

High-Paying Casual Jobs That You Can Get With A White Card Australia

Now let’s get to the part that you were probably waiting for this entire time! What jobs can you get with a White Card in Australia? Well, let us look at some of the highest-paying casual jobs that you can get with a White Card in Australia. Remember, these jobs don’t even require you to have any experience, which means you will be accepted as a fresher.

a) Site Labourer:-

A site labourer is the most basic and high-volume job that you can get with a White Card in Australia. You can earn between $30 and $35 an hour as a site labourer, and the shift lasts from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

b) Trades Assistant:-

A trade assistant, also known as a TA, has to work under traders and support them by performing tasks such as fetching tools, cutting non-structural materials, holding items steady, measuring, and preparing the work area for safe trade. The average pay per hour ranges from $33 AUD to $40 AUD.

c) Traffic Controller/Gate Attendant:-

A traffic controller or gate assistant has to direct vehicles and pedestrians at the entry and exit gates of the construction site. Your job will also involve checking others’ White Cards and managing site access. This job can pay between $32 AUD and $45 AUD an hour.

d) Demolition and Strip-Out Crew:-

 As the name suggests, demolition workers have to perform manual demolition of internal structures, load skips, and remove debris. This is the most physically demanding job that you can get with an Australian White Card, and it pays between $33AUD to $38 AUD per hour.

Tips For Students Applying For A White Card In Australia

Don’t forget that you need to complete a test in order to get a White Card in the first place. The test is not known to be too complex, but there are things you need to keep in mind before attempting it. It is important to note that getting a White Card Australia is a one-time investment, and you don’t want to spend your hard-earned money more than once. Here are some of the tips that you can use before applying for a White Card in Australia.

• Know Your State’s Online Rules Before You Book:-

There are states where you cannot apply online for a White Card. In states like New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania, you can apply either in person or through virtual interactive classrooms. In states like Queensland and Western Australia, you can fully complete the process online.

• Prepare Your 100 Points Of ID Early:-

 Since the CPCWHS course is a legal requirement, the identification verification process is very strict. You’ll have to show your instructor 100 points of original ID. You can check the RTO’s list for ID requirements and present as many ID proofs as you can to add up to 100 points.

• Buy Your Basic PPE Before Your First Shift:-

Don’t wait until your date of joining to get your basic PPE kit. The kit includes steel-cap boots, Hi-vis (High Visibility) clothing, and a hard hat, which you might even get at the site if you are lucky.

• Register With Labor-Hire Agencies Immediately:-

 There are several labour-hire recruitment agencies where you can apply to get a construction job as fast as possible. Remember to tell the agency representative that you are a student and can only work at certain times.

• Prioritize Reliability and Punctuality Over Everything Else:-

Lastly, remember that punctuality is more important than experience in a field like construction. Always plan to arrive 15 minutes early, as a late arrival might shave off some of the money that you would have otherwise earned.

Final Thoughts

In the end, all that can be said is that getting a White Card should definitely be at the top of your bucket list if you want to get a high-paying job as an international student in Australia. Getting a decent-paying job as a student will probably not cover your tuition fee, but it will be more than helpful in covering your rent or daily expenses. We’d like to remind you that the choice is yours, so think carefully before you apply for an Australian White Card. If you do plan on applying and need help with your CPCWHS1001 test preparation, then Assignment Help is always ready to help you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. How long does the training take for the CPCWHS1001 course?

The amount of time it takes to complete a CPCWHS1001 course is usually between 6 and 8 hours, usually taking a single day. While getting a Western Australia White Card or a Queensland White Card is possible through entirely online means, some states like New South Wales and Victoria don’t allow that to happen. It is highly recommended that you get a White Card Western Australia, or from another state that allows you to complete the course online, for reasons we will discuss later. 

Q 2. How much should I expect to pay for the CPCWHS1001 course?

The exact cost varies from state to state and on the RTO (Registered Training Organization), but you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 AUD to $180 AUD. It is highly recommended that you check reviews of different RTOs and courses, as there is the possibility of encountering a scam course.

Q 3. Can I use a White Card from one state to work in another state?

Yes, you can. This is exactly why we recommended that you get a Western Australia White Card or a Queensland White Card online, as it will allow you to work in other states. You can use the White Card from one state to work in another, and it is easier to get one online.

Q 4. How quickly can I start looking for a job after finishing my CPCWHS1001 course?

As soon as you want to be honest. There is no cooldown period during which you cannot look for a job immediately after finishing your CPCWHS1001 course. As soon as your course is complete, you can go around looking for a construction job. However, it will take a few weeks before your plastic White Card gets mailed to you.

Q 5. What kind of casual jobs can I get with a White Card, assuming I have no prior experience?

There are many casual construction jobs that you can get with a White Card Australia, even if you don’t have any prior work experience. These include moving materials (manual handling), keeping the site clean and tidy (site housekeeping), assisting tradespeople (Trades Assistant or TA), and erecting safety barriers.