Engineers enter into contracts every day. All contracts contain legally enforceable elements and complex jargon, so understanding what you're signing - or have signed - is essential.
In this self-paced course, you'll learn the basics of contract law from an experienced lawyer. You'll learn about your legal rights and responsibilities under a typical contract. You'll also look at your obligations when drafting, designing or administering a contract.
Using practical tasks and quizzes, you'll cover:
- the Australian legal system and the nature of law
- contract terminology and elements
- preparing a contract
- rights and responsibilities under a contract
- identifying legal risks
- managing common issues with contracts
- remedies for a breach of contract
By the end of this course, you'll understand the legal framework in which contracts operate. You'll know what type of contract best suits your project. You'll also gain a toolbox of practical tips to guide you through your day-to-day contracting tasks.
Complete this course as part of a Micro-credential
If you're a project engineer working in construction, you can showcase your capabilities to prospective employers and clients by completing this course as part of the Construction Contract Management Micro-credential (Learning pathway).
EA members get 15% off on selected workshops and training. Not a member? Sign up now
*1% credit card surcharge applies.
Any questions?
Contact us
1 January - 31 December
Once you register, you will be provided with access to the EEA Online platform to start this course.
We can arrange bulk registration packages for corporate clients.
This includes the option to set up an access code for your organisation, allowing your team to register for courses on demand, avoiding the need to request individual Purchase Orders.
Find out how we can help you and your team by completing an enquiry form or calling us on +61 3 9321 1700.
For Individuals
8 Hours, self-paced
All learning may contribute to Engineers Australia’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.
1 January - 31 December
Once you register, you will be provided with access to the EEA Online platform to start this course.
For Business
We can arrange bulk registration packages for corporate clients.
This includes the option to set up an access code for your organisation, allowing your team to register for courses on demand, avoiding the need to request individual Purchase Orders.
Find out how we can help you and your team by completing an enquiry form or calling us on +61 3 9321 1700.
- The legal and social context of contract law
- Sources of law that govern contracts
- The importance of comprehensive contractual documents
- Identify the elements of a legally enforceable contract
- Identify potential legal issues in the preparation of a contract
- Identify appropriate and equitable remedies for a breach of contract
- Recognise rights and obligations under consumer law
- Identify appropriate behaviours in the contracting cycle
Is this course for you?
This course suits graduate and junior engineers, and related professionals, with up to 3 years' work experience.
It's also valuable for people involved in drafting or delivering projects under a contract, including:
- contract administrators
- contract managers
- finance officers
- designers
- principals
- project managers
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Topics we'll cover
- Introduction to law
- Contracts and elements of a binding agreement
- Contractual concepts and remedies for breach of contract
- Disclosure in contracting and your obligation not to be misleading or deceptive
Sean McCarthy is a solicitor with extensive experience as a construction and general contracts advisor. He is also the Director of Legaleze Lawyers.
Sean worked in the building and construction industry for many years before completing his Master of Juris Doctor and transitioning to legal practice. As a lawyer, Sean has advised both government and private sector clients on a host of major projects and contract claims.
Sean is an active educator on construction matters. As a qualified training professional and experienced lawyer, he brings an enthusiastic and participative approach to his teaching.
Margaret Andre specialises in contract law and is a senior lawyer with Legaleze Lawyers.
She has expertise in the building and construction sector, where she has advised and represented a wide range of parties on their rights, obligations and risk exposure under a contract. She has experience in dispute resolution of contract claims through mediation, adjudication, arbitration and court processes.
Margaret has extensive experience as an educator and aims to create an enthusiastic, collaborative learning environment by building on the skills and experience of course participants.
This course is delivered through EEA Online, our digital learning platform.
You'll learn using a mix of practical case studies, quizzes and reading, audio and video materials. You'll also apply your knowledge in practice with a variety of assessment tasks and learning checks.
It will take approximately eight hours to complete. As it is self-paced, you can start anytime and save your progress as you finish each module.
Once you register for the course, you have 90 days to complete it.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital badge as evidence of your achievement. Learn more about Engineering Education Australia’s digital badges including how to claim and share on our Frequently asked questions page.
This also counts towards the number of Engineers Australia Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours you can claim.
EEA Online access
EEA Online is powered by leading Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas by Instructure.
Once you register for a course, you will be provided with access to the EEA Online Canvas platform to start this course.
If you are registering for your first EEA Online course, you will receive an email from [email protected] inviting you to set up your EEA Online account.
Supported Browsers
For best performance, please use the most recent major release of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. Read more about the current supported browsers on Canvas:
Mobile access
EEA Online is mobile friendly, however desktop is preferred. Please read through the following information on mobile access via Canvas:
I'm satisfied with this course. I learnt new things that I didn't know before which will be helpful to me when dealing with contracts.
