White Card guide for backpackers in Australia
If you’re a backpacker looking for work in Australia, construction is one of the best paying options, and the first thing you’ll need is a White Card. In this guide, we cover what the White Card course involves, the ID to bring on a working holiday visa, what it costs and how to use your card as you travel around Australia.
What is a White Card?
A White Card shows that you’ve completed general construction induction training, which is required before you can carry out construction work in Australia. The training is the nationally recognised unit CPCWHS1001 - Prepare to work safely in the construction industry. It teaches you how to work safely on site, how to identify hazards and what to do in an emergency.
Once you successfully complete the course, you’re issued with your White Card. In Queensland, we issue it on the day of your course.
Why get a White Card as a backpacker?
Construction offers two things most backpackers are looking for:
- short-term and casual work, including labouring jobs that don’t need a trade
- good pay, often well above other popular backpacker jobs in hospitality, retail or tourism
You’ll need your White Card to work on a construction site, and most employers and labour hire agencies ask for your White Card number when you apply.
Can construction count towards a second or third year visa?
Construction is one of the industries that can count as “specified work” for a second or third Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), but only when the work is done in an eligible regional postcode. Not every area counts, so check the current specified work rules and postcodes on the Department of Home Affairs website before you take a job for your visa days.
Can I use my White Card in other states?
Yes. A White Card issued in one state is recognised in the other states and territories, so if your travel plans take you from Queensland to New South Wales or Western Australia, you won’t need to do the course again. Just keep your physical card with you. Read more about using your White Card in other states.
What will I learn?
The course covers work health and safety laws and your rights and responsibilities, common construction hazards and how to control them, safety signs, emergency procedures, fire equipment, and how to correctly fit personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a hard hat, high visibility vest, hearing protection and eye protection.
For a more detailed breakdown, see what the White Card course teaches.
What is the course format and duration?
The course runs for 4.5 hours face-to-face, and most of our courses start at 8:30am.
We progress through the course as a group, with the trainer explaining everything you need to know. The assessment includes multiple choice questions, written and verbal answers, and practical demonstrations, such as fitting your PPE, to make sure you’ve understood the content.
Where can I do the course?
Tradie Training runs White Card courses in Brisbane (Aspley and Rocklea) and on the Gold Coast (Ashmore). All of our training centres have free onsite parking, and the Rocklea centre has a bus stop right next to it.
How do I book?
The quickest way is through our website. Select the location, date and time that suits you and fill out the booking form.
View our Brisbane schedule View our Gold Coast schedule
How much does it cost?
The course costs $99. The price is all inclusive and covers the training, your White Card and your Statement of Attainment (the certificate of completion).
What level of English do I need?
As a backpacker, English might not be your first language. Our trainers make the classroom as inclusive as possible and will help if needed.
You’ll need basic spoken and written English. For example, you’ll need to explain out loud the hazards you can see in a picture of a construction site, and follow simple written safety instructions. You don’t need to be fluent, but you must show that you understand and can communicate the key safety concepts.
What ID do I need to bring?
The most important thing to bring is your identification. You can’t be issued a White Card without it. As a temporary overseas worker, you’ll need to bring:
- your current passport
- your current work visa
- one of the following from your home country: driver’s licence, bank card or birth certificate
Note: you must bring the original documents. A photo on your phone isn’t accepted.
See the full list of accepted ID documents.
Do I need a USI?
Yes. Anyone completing nationally recognised training in Australia, such as the White Card course, needs a Unique Student Identifier (USI), even if you’re not a student. You can create one for free on the Government USI website in about 5 minutes, using your passport and visa.
If you run into issues creating your USI, our trainers will help you on the day. Just make sure you bring your ID.
What do I need to wear?
Wear something comfortable. We provide all the PPE you need for the training, so you don’t need to bring steel cap boots, a hard hat or anything like that.
Read more about the PPE used in the White Card course.
Thinking about other jobs?
A White Card is also needed for other site-based jobs. For example, trainee traffic controllers in Queensland must hold a White Card before their on-site training. See our guide to becoming a traffic controller in Queensland. Many backpackers also add a First Aid course, which is useful in almost any job.