Guides: Mortar Trades: Communication Skills

Books in the Library

Basic Building & Construction Skills: Carpentry & other General Construction Trades (6th ed) (2020) Basic Building and Construction Skills provides underpinning knowledge and skills for apprentices to work safely, efficiently and prolifically in the building and construction industry.
Business Communication Handbook (2015) Covers a range of skills required in today's workplaces with a focus on business communication, including written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
The Essentials of Technical Communication (2021) Provides students with accessible and comprehensive instructions for planning, drafting and revising technical documents that are clear and concise.
The Trade Technician's Soft Skills Manual (2012) This text teaches the skills needed for a trade technician to advance in their careers and differentiate themselves from others in their field.

Communication - 17 mins This video looks at the key aspects of effective communication in construction, including how to ensure verbal, written and visual communication is effective, and receiving communication as it is intended. (2016 - 17 mins)
Measurements and Calculations - 20 mins This video starts with an overview of the types of measurements and calculations typically used in construction, then covers a range of practical examples involving length, area and volume.
Reading and Interpreting Documents - 20 mins This video looks at the range of various plans and documents that are used in construction and why they are so vital to the work done by all workers on any construction project.
Working Effectively in the Construction Industry- 16 mins This video provides an overview of the construction industry – the three main areas of construction: domestic, commercial and civic – the role of different levels of government and the industry’s contribution to the Australian economy.
Workplace Health and Safety - 16 mins This video examines the importance of workplace health and safety in construction, identifying and assessing risk, and various ways in which hazards are controlled on a construction site.

Hard Skills Vs Soft Skills - 2 mins This video includes information on the importance of both types of skills.

6 Keys to Better Construction Communication: from Construct Connect Useful tips for communicating effectively on a construction project.
Dealing with Customers: from Fair Trading NSW Outlines what builders and tradespeople need to know when dealing with clients.
Effective communication skills: How to improve and develop them Provides strategies on how to improve communication skills.

4 Communication Skills Everyone Needs - 13 mins This program outlines the four key communication skills needed: lean communication (getting straight to the point), connecting with others (social skills), adaptability (learning to read and relate to different types of people) and texting and using social media professionally.
Organization and Communication - 23 mins Covers internal communication, barriers to communication, effective communication and more.