Construction Careers
You might already be in the construction world and looking for a new direction, or it might be that this space is completely new to you. Not to worry, either way we have got you covered. The construction industry is often seen in a particular light, but these stereotypes are pretty outdated. See below for what else it’s got to offer.
WHAT ARE CONSTRUCTION CAREERS?
When you think of construction careers, many people tend to think about hands-on activities working on a development site. Jobs that come to mind may include bricklayers, carpenters and site managers. Whilst these types of jobs are good examples of construction roles, this only looks at one aspect of the industry.
There are over 180 different construction roles available throughout a construction projects lifecycle, whether that be in the planning and design phase, which requires planners, project managers, buyers and architects, or during the procurement phase which requires commercial experts, estimators and procurement managers.
WHY SHOULD I BE INTERESTED?
The construction industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It’s estimated to grow by almost 50% between 2020 and 2030. There are many exciting job opportunities available in construction for young people across the UK. An ageing workforce has left a large opportunity in the sector for employment, making those with construction skills extremely valuable.
Furthermore, with the rise of green and sustainability there are many opportunities for skills development within the industry to make the switch to more sustainable methods. As there is a clear need for skilled workers, there is increasing investment into training, meaning you’ll be able to expand your skill set and meet future skills needs.
KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
GROWTH
It is estimated that 266,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction output, making it a growing labour market
EMPLOYERS
The construction industry is one of the largest in the UK, representing more than 6% of all jobs across the UK.
SKILLS
There is increasing investment into skills development amongst the younger workforce, to tackle an ageing workforce and need for green skills.
SALARY
The average salary for construction industry across the UK is £42,500.
WHAT TYPES OF PEOPLE ARE SUITED TO CONSTRUCTION ROLES?
Theres a variety of construction roles that can suit different peoples preferences and skillsets.
If you’re someone who likes to work with your hands, or doesn’t like the idea of being stuck in an office, then onsite roles can be a great fit. There are many practical roles where you can get stuck in apply yourself to a hands-on project, problem or task. Often these types of workers tend to be entrepreneurial, self motivated and realistic. If you are a natural leader and enjoy looking after a team, roles such as site-manager could be a great fit, you’ll work with different teams across the project to make sure everything is on time and going to plan.
If this doesn’t sound like it suits you, don’t worry! There are lots of other roles within the construction industry that may be a great fit. If you’re methodical thinker, there are many analytical roles, design roles, and planning roles which could be a great fit for you!
WHAT KIND OF ROLES ARE OUT THERE?
Here are just a few roles available in the space, the general salaries and how you can get involved. Bear in mind, there are so many roles in the “Industry”, that you can tap into these are just a few examples to get you started. Plus, role titles really vary depending on your seniority, and there is definitely something for everyone
Architect
30k – 60k
Starter – Experienced
35 – 40
Average hours per week
Occasional evenings and weekends
What’s the role?
Architects design new buildings and the spaces around them, and work on the restoration and conservation of existing buildings.
Where should I start?
Architects combine technical and creative skills with a strong knowledge of materials and construction to design new buildings. There are number of different ways you could develop these skills
You could start by completing a degree in architecture – you should check this is recognised by the Architects Registration Board
To fully qualify as an architect, you’ll also need to complete several years of practical work experience and a further postgraduate qualification in architecture.
Search courses here
Alternatively, if you’d like to study for the necessary qualifications while also gaining practical experience, you could complete an architect degree apprenticeship
Find out more about architecture apprenticeships from the Royal Institute of British Architects
Or get started with wider advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Building Control Officer
22k -60k
Starter – Experienced
38 – 40
Average hours per week
On Call
on a rota
What’s the role?
Building control officers make sure that building regulations are followed.
Where should I start?
You’ll need some specific qualifications to successfully become a Building Control Officer but there’s loads of routes into getting these.
You could consider a college course to boost your application for trainee jobs in building control
This could include:
- Level 3 Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment
- T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
Find course providers here
Or you could do a Higher National Diploma (HNC) or degree in a subject such as:
- Civil engineering
- Structural engineering
- Building control surveying
Search courses here
Alternatively if you want to get some experience while you study, you could do a building control surveyor degree apprenticeship.
Get started with degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Civil Engineer
30k -70k
Starter – Experienced
40 – 42
Average hours per week
Occasional evenings and weekends
What’s the role?
Civil engineers design and manage construction projects, from bridges and buildings to transport links and sports stadiums.
Where should I start?
Civil Engineers draw on their mathematical abilities and their knowledge of engineering to advise on the design, development and construction of a range of projects. There are loads of different routes into this career
You could start by taking a college course which could help you to find work as a trainee engineer. Relevant subjects could include:
- Level 4 HNC in Engineering
- Level 5 HND in Construction and the Built Environment
Find course providers here
To enter at a higher level, many employers will look for you to have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in civil engineering
Search courses here
Alternatively if you’d like to start building some practical experience while you learn, you could consider completing a civil engineer degree apprenticeship
Find apprenticeships near to you here
Or get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
It may also be possible to start as a civil engineering technician and study part-time for a degree while you work.
Computer Aided Design Technician
17k – 35k
Starter – Experienced
39 – 41
Average hours per week
Hours between 8am and 6pm
What’s the role?
Computer-aided design (CAD) technicians use software to design structures, machinery, goods and components.
Where should I start?
CAD Technicians need both software skills and an eye for design to create technical drawings and plans. There are a number of different ways into this career
You could start building these skills by taking a college course in a subject such asL
- Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Technology
- Level 2 or 3 Award in 2D Computer-Aided Design
- T level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
Find course providers here
To take this further, you could consider a higher national diploma or degree in a subject that includes computer-aided design such as:
- construction
- architectural technology
- product design
- design engineering
Search courses here
Alternatively if you’d like to start building some practical experience while you learn, you could consider completing an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in engineering, manufacturing or construction.
Individual apprenticeships will vary but you should look for one which includes computer-aided design work to help develop your skills.
Find apprenticeships near to you here
Or get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Construction Labourer
17k – 32k
Starter – Experienced
42 – 44
Average hours per week
Evenings & Weekends
You could work away from home
What’s the role?
Construction labourers work on practical tasks on construction sites from the start to the end of building projects.
Where should I start?
There are no specific requirements to become a Construction Labourer but there are several ways to help boost your application.
You could start by taking a college course to gain some key knowledge.
This could include:
- Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
- Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations
Find course providers here
Alternatively you could consider an apprenticeship to find out if this is the career for you. Completing an intermediate apprenticeship in a relevant area to this role such as in groundwork, road surfacing or piling will provide you with skills which can help you to enter at a higher level.
Construction Manager
27k – 65k
Starter – Experienced
41 – 43
Average hours per week
Evenings & weekends
You could work away from home
What’s the role?
Construction managers organise building projects to make sure they’re completed safely, within budget and on time.
Where should I start?
Construction Managers need both technical knowledge and great communication skills to work closely with architects, surveyors and other building professionals. There are a number of different routes into this career
To start, many employers will look for you to have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject such as:
- building studies or building engineering
- surveying or civil engineering
- construction engineering
- construction site management
Search courses here
Alternatively if you’d like to gain some workplace experience while you learn, you could consider completing a construction site management or a design and construction management apprenticeship.
Find apprenticeships near to you here
Or get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Demolition Operative
17k – 30k
Starter – Experienced
42 – 44
Average hours per week
Evenings & Weekends
You could work away from home
What’s the role?
Demolition operatives dismantle buildings and structures, remove hazardous waste and identify reusable materials.
What will I do?
- put up guard rails, safety screens and lay dust sheets
- strip out fittings, remove doors and windows and dismantle roofs
- cut metal beams and girders into pieces ready for removal
- operate a crane-mounted magnet to recover metals
- separate reusable materials from waste
- load rubble and debris into mechanical crushers
- prepare sites for explosive demolition
- operate plant machinery to demolish structures
- dispose of hazardous materials, like asbestos, safely
Where should I start?
Although there are no formal qualifications required to become a Demolition Operative, you will require some construction experience. There are loads of different ways you could gain this.
Firstly, you could complete a college course to learn some of the skills and knowledge required for this job.
This could include:
- Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
- Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations
Find course providers here
Alternatively, if you’d like to earn while you learn, you could complete a Demolition Operative intermediate apprenticeship where your time will be split Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and at college or training provider.
Find apprenticeships near to you here or here
Or you could begin by working on a construction site, for example as a Construction Labourer. If your employer feels you have the necessary aptitude for demolition work, they may be able to provide you on the job training to become a Demolition Operative.
Electrician
18k – 42k
Starter – Experienced
30 – 40
Average hours per week
On Call
as customers demand
What’s the role?
Electricians fit, service and repair electric machines, equipment and wires.
Where should I start?
To become an Electrician, you’ll need both technical knowledge and practical experience. There are several different routes you could take to gain this.
Firstly you could consider a college course to start learning some of the technical knowledge. This could help boost your application for trainee roles.
This could include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering (Electrical)
- Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation
- T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
Find course providers here
Or you could complete an installation and maintenance electrician advanced apprenticeship or domestic electrician advanced apprenticeship. By splitting your time between on-the-job experience and at a college or training provider, this will give you both the knowledge and practical experience required to become a fully qualified electrician.
Find apprenticeships near to you here or here
Or get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
Painter and Decorator
17k – 32k
Starter – Experienced
42 – 44
Average hours per week
Evenings & Weekends
Occassionally
What’s the role?
Painters and decorators apply paint, wallpaper and other finishes to the inside and outside of buildings.
Where should I start?
There are no specific requirements to become a Painter and Decorator but there are several ways to help boost your application.
You could consider a college course in a relevant area such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Painting and Decorating or a T-Level in On Site Construction.
Find course providers here
Or if you’d like to get stuck in straight away, you could consider an intermediate apprenticeship in painting and decorating.
Plumber
15k – 40k
Starter – Experienced
37 – 40
Average hours per week
Evenings & Weekends
as customers demand
What’s the role?
Plumbers fit and service hot and cold water systems, heating systems and drainage networks.
Where should I start?
There are some specific qualifications you’ll need to become a plumber but there are several routes to explore for getting these.
You could complete a college course which would give you relevant knowledge and skills to help boost an application for trainee roles.
This could include:
- Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating
- T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
Find course providers here
Another great way into the industry is through an advanced apprenticeship in plumbing and domestic heating. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
Find apprenticeships near to you here or here
Or get started with advanced, higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities here
