Who should have a White Card?
Posted on August 21, 2025
If you're considering a career in construction, or even just stepping foot onto a worksite, you will need a White Card. A White Card is a mandatory qualification for anyone who works in or around construction sites in Australia. It proves that you’ve completed official general construction induction training and understand how to work safely on site.
Jobs that require a White Card
The construction industry covers a wide range of jobs and roles, many of which require a valid White Card before you can start work.
Apprentices
If you're starting a trade apprenticeship – whether it's carpentry, plumbing, electrical, or any other construction-related field – you’ll need a White Card before you can legally work on a construction site. Many training organisations, including ATEC, recommend obtaining your White Card early to ensure you’re ready for practical on-site training as soon as possible.
Entry-Level Construction Jobs
Thinking about entering the construction industry in a labouring or assistant role? Entry-level workers are still exposed to the same site risks as experienced tradespeople, so a White Card is essential. Employers will expect you to have completed your general construction induction training before starting work.
Subcontractors
Subcontractors who provide specialised services – like bricklaying, concreting, scaffolding, or electrical installations – must hold a White Card. Even if you are self-employed or only perform small jobs, having a current White Card is a legal requirement for site access.
Construction Workers, Supervisors, and Site Managers
It goes without saying: all construction workers need a White Card, both for general construction and civil construction. However, it’s not just the people handling tools and machinery. Supervisors, project managers, and site managers are equally required to hold a White Card. These roles often involve overseeing safety and operations, making knowledge of work health and safety (WHS) principles essential.
Visitors and Delivery Drivers
Even if you’re not directly involved in construction tasks, entering a live construction site as a visitor or delivery driver can expose you to potential hazards. Many worksites insist that all visitors – including suppliers, couriers, and clients – hold a White Card to ensure they understand the risks and know how to stay safe on site.
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Consultants
Safety consultants who inspect construction sites, deliver safety audits, or work with businesses to improve their WHS processes must also have a White Card. Their role in improving workplace safety starts with understanding the basic principles taught during White Card training.
Tradespeople
Qualified tradespeople – including electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, tilers, plasterers, painters, roofers, landscapers, concreters, scaffolders, etc – are all required to have a White Card. Whether you work on residential, commercial, or infrastructure projects, general construction induction training ensures you can identify hazards and reduce your risk of injury.
Traffic Controllers
Traffic controllers working in and around construction zones must safely manage both pedestrian and vehicle movement. Since their job often requires them to be on or very close to active construction sites, traffic controllers must complete White Card training before starting work.
Additional jobs and roles that require a White Card in South Australia include:
- Surveyors and architects who need to access construction sites
- Crane operators, heavy machinery drivers, and forklift drivers
- Construction site assistants, trades assistants, and site cleaners
- Conveyancers and others who must access construction sites as part of their job
- Any other workers or independent contractors (including food van operators) who need to enter a construction zone for work purposes
Why getting your White Card matters
The construction White Card isn't just a formality – it’s an essential safety qualification designed to protect you and everyone around you. Construction sites are busy, dynamic environments filled with potential hazards. Having a White Card shows that you understand:
- How to identify and report safety hazards
- Your rights and responsibilities under WHS legislation
- Basic procedures for responding to emergencies
- How to reduce risks for yourself and your colleagues
Without a valid White Card, you legally cannot work on or even visit a construction site in Australia.
How to get your Construction White Card
Getting your White Card typically involves completing a short, nationally recognised training course known as the CPCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry with an endorsed RTO. At ATEC, we can assist individuals in obtaining their White Card so they can move confidently into apprenticeships, entry-level jobs, and specialist trades.
The course covers key topics like construction hazards, safe work practices, and WHS laws, ensuring you’re prepared for the challenges of working on site.
Ready to start your career in construction with ATEC?
If you’re aiming for a career in construction or a trade-based apprenticeship, getting your construction White Card should be your first step. At ATEC, we specialise in helping future apprentices, tradespeople, and industry professionals build the skills and qualifications they need to work safely and confidently to succeed.
Explore our courses today or contact us to find out how we can help you get started with your White Card training.
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