COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Plan & Organise Work in Construction & Building Services course. This program is designed to provide you with the practical knowledge and technical skills necessary to plan, sequence, and coordinate tasks efficiently within complex project environments. The course focuses on work planning processes, communication systems, and the integration of safety, environmental, and compliance requirements that underpin successful construction, plumbing, and building service operations in Australia.

Effective planning and organisation form the backbone of every successful construction project. This course begins by introducing the purpose and scope of structured work planning, highlighting its role in managing timelines, resources, and workforce productivity. It outlines key responsibilities across trades, the importance of communication and supervision, and the need to embed work health and safety (WHS) and environmental considerations into all stages of planning and execution.

Planning and organising work must occur within clear policy and compliance frameworks. This section examines the Australian Standards, Building Codes, and enterprise procedures that guide professional practice across construction, plumbing, and building services. It emphasises how adherence to regulatory and licensing requirements supports quality assurance, protects worker safety, and ensures all operations meet statutory obligations and client expectations.

Environmental and workplace requirements are critical in daily site operations. This section explores sustainable work practices, including waste minimisation, pollution control, and noise management. It explains how to conduct work responsibly to protect local ecosystems, reduce environmental impact, and maintain compliance with environmental authorities and local government standards.

Accurate interpretation of drawings and specifications ensures all tasks are executed to standard. This section teaches participants to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and material schedules, verifying dimensions, symbols, and notations used across multiple trades. It highlights how drawings guide sequencing, alignment, and coordination, preventing costly rework and improving overall site efficiency.

Defining and understanding task requirements is a core step in planning. This section details how to analyse project documentation, consult with supervisors, and assess site conditions to determine scope, access, and safety needs. It explores how identifying dependencies and constraints enables realistic planning and resource allocation aligned with the project’s goals.

Planning work tasks involves translating objectives into structured action plans. This section focuses on how to break down complex tasks into logical steps, allocate materials and personnel, and integrate WHS and environmental controls. It also emphasises the importance of reviewing plans for efficiency, safety, and alignment with quality standards before work begins.

Accurate estimation of time, labour, and equipment is essential for project success. This section explores methods of analysing project specifications, applying productivity rates, and using data to forecast timelines and costs. It also discusses contingency planning to address unexpected issues such as weather delays, supply shortages, or site hazards.

Component task planning ensures that each phase of work supports the next. This section provides methods for dividing larger projects into smaller, manageable stages and allocating resources effectively. It highlights how inter-trade coordination and sequencing promote smooth workflow and prevent scheduling conflicts.

Organising the implementation of planned work requires leadership, communication, and logistical coordination. This section guides participants through task assignment, equipment allocation, and schedule management. It emphasises proactive monitoring, problem-solving, and maintaining compliance with WHS and environmental requirements to ensure consistent progress.

Recording and documenting work planning activities is an essential compliance and management function. This section explains how to maintain accurate records of plans, schedules, meetings, inspections, and work logs. It covers the use of digital and manual tools for documentation and the importance of storing information in accordance with organisational and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration with team members enhances the effectiveness of planning and problem-solving. This section focuses on engaging workers in reviewing work plans, gathering feedback, and identifying improvement opportunities. It encourages team-based approaches that foster shared accountability, continuous improvement, and a culture of safety and efficiency.

Scheduling is a vital part of project coordination. This section examines how to develop realistic timelines that consider material availability, subcontractor involvement, and external factors such as weather. It provides techniques for updating schedules dynamically to reflect changes, ensuring project continuity and minimal downtime.

Allocating roles and responsibilities is key to maintaining clarity and productivity. This section discusses matching tasks to workers’ skills and qualifications, defining accountability, and establishing clear reporting lines. It also explores how to review and adjust role assignments as project needs evolve.

Work health and safety (WHS) planning is a legal and moral obligation. This section outlines the process of identifying hazards, implementing control measures, and reviewing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and risk assessments. It ensures participants understand emergency procedures, PPE requirements, and regulatory compliance under the WHS Act 2011.

Effective work planning requires translating all these elements into clear, actionable steps. This section provides a practical guide to determining work task outcomes, estimating time and resources, sequencing tasks logically, and preparing a written plan that aligns with project objectives. It highlights how systematic planning maximises efficiency, reduces errors, and ensures safe and compliant operations.

Organising and executing planned work is the final step in ensuring operational success. This section focuses on implementing the work plan collaboratively, confirming resource availability, monitoring progress, and resolving delays promptly. It reinforces the importance of communication, teamwork, and adherence to safety and environmental standards in delivering high-quality construction outcomes.

By the end of this course, you will be able to plan, organise, and coordinate construction and building services work confidently and efficiently. They will understand how to interpret project documentation, manage resources, uphold WHS and environmental obligations, and contribute to the safe and successful delivery of construction projects across diverse Australian worksites.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

This course is designed to align with the content outlined in the Nationally Recognised Unit of Competency CPCCOM1013.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Planning and Organising Work

• Understanding the Purpose of Planning and Organisation in Construction Projects
• Key Roles, Responsibilities, and Communication in Construction, Plumbing, and Building Services
• Applying Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Environmental Considerations in Planning
• Sequencing, Scheduling, and Coordinating Resources for Efficient On-Site Operations

2. Policies and Standards for Planning and Organising Work

• Understanding industry, organisational, and regulatory standards that guide work planning practices
• Applying quality assurance and compliance frameworks in line with construction and plumbing codes
• Interpreting enterprise procedures, guidelines, and project documentation for consistent outcomes
• Ensuring adherence to legislative and licensing requirements relevant to construction and building services

3. Environmental and Workplace Requirements for Basic Work Tasks

• Identifying environmental protection obligations and sustainability practices on construction sites
• Implementing workplace housekeeping, waste management, and pollution control procedures
• Complying with noise, dust, and emission control requirements set by environmental authorities
• Ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding environments, communities, and existing infrastructure

4. Drawings and Specifications Relevant to Basic Work Tasks

• Interpreting technical drawings, plans, and blueprints for accuracy and clarity
• Understanding specifications, materials lists, and project documentation to guide task execution
• Verifying dimensions, symbols, and notation used in construction and plumbing drawings
• Using plans to identify sequencing, alignment, and coordination requirements across trades

5. Processes for Determining Task Requirements

• Analysing project documentation to define the scope, materials, and resources required
• Consulting with supervisors or clients to confirm expectations and job priorities
• Assessing site conditions to determine feasibility, access, and safety requirements
• Identifying dependencies and constraints that may affect task completion

6. Processes for Undertaking All Aspects of Planning and Organising Work Tasks

• Breaking down tasks into logical, sequential steps aligned with project objectives
• Developing action plans and schedules to coordinate labour and resources effectively
• Incorporating WHS and environmental management measures into task planning
• Reviewing task plans to ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance with project requirements

7. Processes for Estimating Requirements for Work Time, Personnel, Tools and Equipment

• Analysing project specifications to determine quantities and timelines
• Estimating labour and equipment needs based on project complexity and scale
• Applying productivity rates and time allowances for accurate scheduling
• Adjusting estimates to accommodate contingencies or unexpected site conditions

8. Processes for Planning of Component Tasks to Complete Work Tasks

• Dividing major tasks into smaller, manageable work components for efficiency
• Establishing logical sequences to ensure smooth workflow and coordination between trades
• Allocating resources, equipment, and materials to each component stage
• Monitoring dependencies to prevent delays and ensure timely completion

9. Processes for Organising the Implementation of Work Task Planning

• Assigning tasks and responsibilities to appropriate personnel according to skills and qualifications
• Coordinating delivery of materials, equipment, and tools to meet scheduled timelines
• Ensuring clear communication of roles, expectations, and safety procedures
• Monitoring progress and resolving issues to maintain workflow continuity

10. Processes for Recording Work Task Planning and Organising Activities

• Documenting task schedules, resource allocations, and progress reports accurately
• Maintaining records of site meetings, inspections, and daily work logs
• Using digital tools or manual systems to track performance and compliance
• Storing documentation according to organisational and regulatory record-keeping standards

11. Processes for Working with Team Members to Review a Work Plan

• Encouraging team participation and feedback during planning and review stages
• Identifying improvement opportunities through consultation and collaboration
• Reviewing outcomes against original objectives and performance indicators
• Implementing agreed changes to enhance efficiency, safety, and quality

12. Processes for Scheduling the Work

• Creating realistic timelines for task sequencing and completion
• Coordinating work schedules with subcontractors and suppliers to prevent bottlenecks
• Factoring in weather conditions, delivery times, and resource availability
• Reviewing and updating schedules regularly to reflect progress and changes

13. Processes for Allocating Roles and Responsibilities

• Identifying the skills, experience, and qualifications required for specific roles
• Assigning responsibilities in line with team members’ expertise and project needs
• Clarifying accountability, reporting lines, and authority for decision-making
• Reviewing role allocations periodically to maintain productivity and balance workload

14. Processes for Reviewing Work Health and Safety Requirements

• Identifying WHS hazards associated with each work task and implementing control measures
• Reviewing safe work method statements (SWMS) and risk assessments regularly
• Ensuring all team members understand emergency procedures and safety responsibilities
• Monitoring compliance with WHS regulations, codes of practice, and company safety policies

15. Determine and Plan Basic Work Task Activities

• Determine work task outcomes and other requirements
• Break the work task into its component tasks
• Assess the component tasks to determine what needs to be done and how it is to be done
• Estimate the time and the number of personnel required to complete each component task
• Identify the tools and equipment required, including personal protective equipment (PPE) for each stage of the task
• Plan the sequence of the component tasks in a logical order and to maximise efficient use of resources
• Prepare a written work plan and a list of resources required to complete the overall work task

16. Organise Performance of Basic Work Task

• Work with team members to review the work plan, schedule the work, allocate roles and responsibilities, and review work health and safety requirements
• Confirm availability of required tools and equipment, including PPE
• Communicate the work schedule and safety requirements to all team members
• Monitor task progress and resolve any issues or delays to maintain efficiency
• Ensure all activities comply with organisational, environmental, and WHS standards

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.