With thousands of young Australians entering apprenticeships and entry-level construction jobs, safety experts are urging school leavers to take their first day on site seriously, and to speak up when they don't understand something.

National White Card Courses director Samuel Bohr noted construction remains one of Australia's largest employing industries, with around 1.37 million people working in the sector as of 2026. That’s an increase of 22,000 workers on the year prior and with so many new entrants to the sector, Mr Bohr said young people starting out in construction needed to understand that being new to an industry was not a reason to stay quiet about safety.

"Your first day on a construction site can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming," Mr Bohr said.

"There's new terminology, unfamiliar equipment, people moving around you and hazards that you may not have encountered before. Young workers should never feel embarrassed about asking questions or admitting that they don't understand something."

The need for awareness is reflected in national workers' compensation data.

In 2023, Safe Work Australia's research into apprentices and trainees found that serious claims involving apprentices and trainees increased by 41 per cent between 2016–17 and 2020–21, despite the number of apprentices and trainees increasing by only 13 per cent. Construction accounted for 49.9% of serious claims among apprentices and trainees during that period.

For construction apprentices and trainees under 30, falls, trips and slips were the most common cause of work-related injury, while lacerations and open wounds were the most common type of injury.

Mr Bohr said those figures highlighted why young workers should approach safety training as preparation for the realities of the job rather than simply another requirement to tick off.

"Having a White Card is an important first step for anyone who needs to undertake general construction induction training, but it isn't a substitute for learning how a particular workplace operates," he said.

"Every site has its own hazards, procedures and expectations. A young worker needs to understand the broader safety principles they've been taught and then pay attention to the specific instructions they're given when they arrive on site."

What young workers should know before starting
One of the most important things a new worker can do is make sure they have completed the training required for their role before commencing work.

For people carrying out construction work, this includes general construction induction training, commonly known as White Card training. Workers should also understand that completing the training does not mean they can simply arrive at any construction site and start work. Site-specific inductions, instructions and other training may also be required.

"Don't assume that because you've got your White Card, you're automatically ready for every task you'll be asked to do," Mr Bohr said.

"Your employer or supervisor should explain the hazards associated with the work you're doing and the controls that are in place. If you're unsure about something, stop and ask."

Young workers should also pay close attention to personal protective equipment. Depending on the workplace and task, this can include items such as high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, eye protection, hearing protection, hard hats and respiratory protection.

But PPE should not be viewed as a replacement for other safety controls.

"Personal protective equipment is important, but putting on a hard hat doesn't make every hazard disappear," Mr Bohr said.

"Young workers need to understand why they're being asked to wear particular equipment and what other controls are being used to keep them safe."

Don't be afraid to say you don't know
For a young person trying to make a good impression with a new employer, asking questions can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Mr Bohr said that attitude could create unnecessary risks.

"Being willing to ask a question is a sign that you're taking the job seriously," he said. "If you don't know what a piece of equipment does, where you should be standing, what PPE you need or what to do if something goes wrong, ask before you proceed."

He said young workers should also pay attention to changes in their surroundings.

"Construction sites are dynamic environments. Things can change during the day, so don't assume that because an area was safe an hour ago, it will still be safe now."

National safety data shows why workers need to remain alert. In 2024, vehicle incidents accounted for 42% of traumatic workplace fatalities in Australia, while falls from height accounted for a further 13%.

Parents have a role to play too
Parents and carers can also help young people make the transition from school to construction by encouraging them to take workplace safety seriously.

Mr Bohr said parents did not need to know the technical details of construction safety to have useful conversations with a young worker.

"Ask them what training they've completed, what their first day will involve and whether they know who to speak to if they have a safety concern," he said.

"Most importantly, reinforce the message that there is no such thing as a silly safety question."

He said young workers should understand that they have a right to raise concerns about safety.

"Starting your working life is about learning. Nobody expects a school leaver to know everything on their first day. What matters is being prepared, paying attention, following instructions and speaking up when something doesn't seem right."

A safe start can set the tone for a career
With construction continuing to employ more than one million Australians, the industry offers significant opportunities for young people entering the workforce. For school leavers considering an apprenticeship, labouring role or other pathway into construction, Mr Bohr said safety should be regarded as part of becoming a skilled worker.

"Your first day on site is the beginning of your construction career, not a test of how much you already know," he said.

"Take the time to learn, ask questions and understand the risks around you. Developing good safety habits from the beginning can stay with you throughout your working life."

About National White Card Courses
National White Card Courses is a leading Australian training organisation, providing general construction induction training for people preparing to work in Australia's construction industry. Visit: www.nwcc.edu.au