Prospects For A Career In Construction

There's no doubt that construction is one of the most embracing of today's business sectors. Modern construction utilises Planning, Architecture, Health and Safety and Green Engineering in its workflow as well as actual Building skill-sets. There are many routes to a variety of careers within the Construction Industry.

Work covers three broad skill ranks, which each have a number of roles. "Unskilled" and "Semi-Skilled" workers have little or no formal credentials, but generally make up the bulk of the on-site workforce.

'Skilled labour' often relates to the On-Site managers or Foremen who have extensive knowledge and experience of their profession.

Lastly, there are the more senior technical structures and management roles. Usually the most technically qualified to work in this industry, these are generally the people who manage, plan and design the entire process. On this page you'll find links and adverts from a selection of training companies, so it could be worth your while to book-mark it (CTRL-D) so you can come back later to review your options.

Construction Sectors & Training Frameworks

In the United Kingdom, further education certifications are deemed a must-have for those in a skilled occupation. These skills can either be gained through working apprenticeships or via one of the dedicated colleges.

In the United Kingdom during 2007, there were over 8,000 training positions started in construction alone. By 2009 over 600,000 workers were involved in the construction industry with 10,000 more people going through training than two years previously.

There are three different sectors in the construction industry as a whole. Each has a fairly unique team to plan, design, construct and maintain the relative project. Building Construction is the initial area to check off. This is mainly concerned with extending existing property. The vast majority are small-scale projects such as renovations.

Next come those construction companies that get involved in heavy (civil) commercial building projects. Then there's Industrial Construction, which is a specialised but smaller division of the industry. Often the people behind these industrial construction projects are huge profit based companies.

The Heavy/Civil and Industrial construction sectors primarily involve broader technical skills to finish each scheme. Householders sometimes spend several thousand on an extension, but conglomerates can spend hundreds of millions on a really major project. Let's now get an overview of some of the professionals who work in the industry:

Building Services Engineers

The construction industry also needs Building Services Engineers. Typically these people have Mechanical Engineering degrees or Electrical Engineering degrees. Graduating M and E Engineers can join the CIBSE at Graduate level to increase their contacts and networks of professionals.

Project Management

Many project managers come into the role through other engineering disciplines. With experience and on-going training in (e.g. in PMBOK or PRINCE 2) they can progress to very senior roles.

Quantity Surveying

Professional degree level qualifications are important in quantity surveying. More professional training (along with time spent in industry) can be gained from RICS, the industry body for standards and certifications.

Civil Engineering

Not only do civil engineers need degrees but they also generally need them in quite specific subjects. In addition the Chartered Engineer certification can be obtained through the Institution of Civil Engineers. To qualify as a Chartered Engineer, a graduate must hold a Masters in Engineering. Those with Bachelor's Degrees may, as a result, become Incorporated Engineers.

Structural Engineer

Senior structural engineers generally hold a Bachelors or Masters Degree in structural engineering. New university graduates must hold a Masters Degree to gain Chartered status from the Institute of Structural Engineers.

Architects

Becoming an architect generally requires a minimum 4 year Degree in Architecture with practical work experience and further training as well. The architect is actively involved throughout a whole project, from choosing the site to structure and landscaping completion.