The Waterproofing Experts
1800 326 723
At Danrae Group, we pride ourselves on our leading waterproofing solutions, and we couldn’t deliver without an exceptional team that includes waterproofers, project managers and tradies.
To become a first-class waterproofer, you need qualifications, certification and a few key traits that we see as central to the delivery of comprehensive and high-quality waterproofing diagnostic, design, remediation and preventative maintenance.
Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a waterproofer – and why, for the right candidates, it can be a fantastic career choice.
Waterproofing courses and certification
Waterproofing is a formal trade, so all waterproofers in NSW must be licenced or certified. In order to get a licence, you need to complete one of the following TAFE qualifications: Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing, Certificate III in Waterproofing (General Construction) or Certificate III in General Construction (Waterproofing).
The Federal Government’s website, training.gov.au, lists accredited course providers around the country; however, for many people, one of the best ways to get into the industry is with an apprenticeship or traineeship.
One you complete your traineeship, you can apply for your waterproofing licence or certificate.
There are several types of licences, including a contractor licence that allows you to contract and advertise the type of work covered by your licence card, or a supervisor certificate, if working for a waterproofing company. Both of these are available for 1, 3 or 5 years. Should you want to both contract and supervise, you will need to apply for an endorsed contractor licence.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships can be a great way to start your waterproofing careers, as you combine training with crucial on-the-job experience. Many people complete an apprenticeship as a Trades Assistant (Waterproofing).
As a trainee or apprentice, you will assist senior waterproofers and learn how to handle materials, use a variety of hand tools and effectively prepare surfaces for membrane application.
Apprentices also learn a range of skills central to any career, including working efficiently and sustainably, planning and organising workloads, effective workplace communication and OHS policies and procedures.
At Danrae Group, we ensure our trainees learn from the best. We make sure they emerge with a full understanding and skills in membrane applications, leak detection, testing and remediation.
What it takes to become a waterproofer
To work as a waterproofer you will generally need to have a driver’s licence and, often, your own transport. We suggest that our trainees are also tech savvy, proactive, have good problem-solving skills and enjoy working both in a team and independently.
In a recent blog, we identified four key traits across our Danrae team members, that we believe are essential if you want to become a leading waterproofing professional. These include qualifications and experience, training in all membrane types and, ideally, supplementary trades skill.
Our team members have backgrounds in building, carpentry, construction, bricklaying, rendering and plastering… which helps us provide high-quality and comprehensive waterproofing, remediation and project management.
And our final key skill? We truly believe that a great waterproofer needs a desire to help others – and the dedication to make sure every waterproofing job is exceptional.
A great career choice
There are plenty of benefits to a waterproofing career, including flexibility, good pay, the chance to learn and use multiple skills, and the opportunity to work across diverse projects in highrise strata, civil, construction, government and commercial properties.
We’re always on the lookout for good people who want to become great waterproofers… and learn from the best.
If you fit the bill, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you. Read more about waterproofing techniques.
