Construction workers and builder's labourers perform a variety of manual labour tasks to assist tradespeople and builders on building and construction sites.

Builder's labourers may perform any of the following tasks:

• unload, carry and stack building materials
• organise and carry tools and equipment
• dig trenches so that footings and services such as plumbing and electrical cables can be laid
• operate hand tools and jackhammers if necessary to break up rock and concrete
• put up and take down scaffolding, ramps, barricades and warning lights
• mix concrete using a concrete mixer
• pour and spread concrete
• use wheelbarrows to move materials and remove rubble and rubbish from building sites
• clean and prepare surfaces for painters
• clean tools and equipment at the end of a days work

Builder's labourers and construction workers may specialise by working with particular tradespeople as a trade's assistant, for example as a bricklayer's labourer or a carpenter's assistant.

They may also become specialist construction workers such as steel fixers, crane chasers, riggers, scaffolders or concrete workers.

On completion of a job, builder's labourers usually have to find their next job by applying to new sites. If they work for a building or bricklaying subcontractor, new work sites and work may be organised for them.

Builder's labourers mostly work outdoors.