Construction
Age by Industry
Age by Occupation
Age by Education
Age by Working Arrangements
Age by Industry Trends
Age by Industry
The Construction industry is the sixth youngest industry across all sectors, with an average age (mean) of the of 38.5 years. The chart below displays the age distribution of workers in Construction and indicates a high concentration of workers in the 25 to 44 year age band. The largest proportion of workers are in the 35 to 39 year age group (13.4 per cent), followed 30 to 34 years (13.3 per cent).
AGE BY INDUSTRY
Construction
Age grouping
ABS (2001) Labour Force Australia
Projections of the age profile of the Construction industry against the age profile of the population in ten years time, shows that there could be considerable variation between these two profiles. The age distribution curve sits well able the curve of the Australian population between 25 and 44 years, crossing over after 45 years. These projected curves demonstrate a higher proportional concentration of young people compared to the Australia population in the future.
Construction
Workforce Population Age Profile Year 2004
Age by Occupation
There is a significant age different across professions in the Construction
industry. The oldest employees within Construction are Managers and
Administrators, aged 42.8 years on average, followed by Associate Professionals,
whose average age is 41.1 years. The youngest group are Elementary Clerical,
Sales and Service Workers, 36.5 years.
AGE BY OCCUPATION
Construction
Occupation
ABS (2001) Labour Force Australia
Age by Education
Thirty-nine per cent of all workers in Construction have not post-secondary education. When compared to other industries this rate is comparable low. Close to half of the workers, who hold a post-secondary qualification; have a certificate level qualification (46.5 per cent), with no significant differences between age groups. Eighty-two per cent of workers aged 45 years and over who do hold post-secondary qualifications, however obtained them before 1980. For workers aged less than 45 years, 47 per cent had completed their qualification prior to 1990.
| Highest Qualification | 15 to 44yrs | 45yrs and over | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Degree Level | 2.9% | 1.4% | 2.4% |
| Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate Level | 1.5% | .8% | 1.3% |
| Bachelor Degree Level | 13.9% | 7.3% | 11.7% |
| Advanced Diploma and Diploma Level | 8.8% | 7.3% | 8.3% |
| Certificate Level | 20.0% | 23.8% | 21.2% |
| No Post-secondary Education | 47.5% | 50.9% | 48.6% |
| Other | 5.4% | 8.4% | 6.4% |
| Total | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| Year completed qualification | 15 to 44yrs | 45yrs and over | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before 1971 | 32.9% | 10.2% | |
| 1971-1980 | 7.3% | 37.1% | 16.5% |
| 1981-1985 | 11.1% | 4.8% | 9.2% |
| 1986-1990 | 17.1% | 8.6% | 14.5% |
| 1991-1995 | 26.3% | 9.0% | 21.0% |
| 1996-1997 | 11.8% | 1.4% | 8.6% |
| 1998-1999 | 14.1% | 4.3% | 11.1% |
| 2000-2001 | 12.2% | 1.9% | 9.0% |
| Total | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% |
Age by Working Arrangements
The working arrangements of employees within Construction are varied, with close to one in three workers employed on a standard full-time, 40 hour week basis. Thirty-one percent of employees within the industry work less than 40 hours a week. While 39 per cent work more than 40 hours a week. There is no significant different in working arrangements between age groups. Working beyond the standard 40 hour week, however raises questions about the capacity of workers as they age to remain active in the workforce.
Table: Weekly Hours Worked by Age
| Year completed qualification | 15 to 44yrs | 45yrs and over | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-15 hours | 4.7% | 5.0% | 4.8% |
| 16-24 hours | 5.3% | 5.6% | 5.4% |
| 25-34 hours | 6.5% | 9.7% | 7.6% |
| 35-39 hours | 23.5% | 23.6% | 23.5% |
| 40 hours | 24.8% | 18.8% | 22.8% |
| 41-48 hours | 17.0% | 14.7% | 16.2% |
| 49 or more hours | 18.2% | 22.5% | 19.6% |
| Total | 100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% |
Age by Industry Trends
The rise in casual and temporary work, subcontracting and self-employment has all contributed to a reduced familiarity with the workplace for many Construction workers, which may lead to accidents. These more loosely attached forms of employment may also limit opportunities for OH&S workplace training. The increase of small-to-medium enterprises also has increased accident risks, due to a reduced prevalence of established OH&S and change management programs in smaller organisations. It is possible to promote employees’ control over their work by allowing self-paced work, and by maximising the scope for employees to making decisions about their work. The reduction of physical loads can be achieved through the provision of moving equipment and by providing appropriate tools.
Demographic changes also have lead to a shift in requirements in construction design. Commercial trends have involved the development of ergonomically designed structures to accommodate the physical needs of people as they age. Residential design is incorporating the Principles of Universal Housing. They include: equitable use; flexibility in use; simple and intuitive use; perceptible information; tolerance for error; low physical effort; and size and space for approach and use. Population ageing will also lead to increased one and two households. The likelihood that these households will relocate is uncertain, and needs further investigation.
Sources:
O’Leary, J (2004) Changing Demographic and the Melbourne Housing Market, presentation Swinburne University, 28th May 2004.
Mornington Peninsula Shire (2002) Housing Developments For Older People: Good Practice Guide - Developers Kit, October 2002.
