Building Trades

Careers

Want to turn your talents to a practical career on leaving? Together, the building trades make up one of Britain’s widest-ranging industry sectors, offering many different roles to choose from – and perhaps the firm foundation you’ve been seeking for your next career …

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What's Involved in Building Trades Careers?

The construction industry in the UK remains one of the most essential sectors, driven not only by the demand for residential and commercial properties but also by an acute shortage of skilled labour. This labour gap poses a challenge to achieving the government's ambition to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, leading to government initiatives to train and recruit more workers through new schemes like Homebuilding Skills Hubs. It offers a wide array of roles encompassing diverse skills and specialties. For individuals leaving the armed forces and considering a career in the building trades, this field presents opportunities for practical-minded individuals keen on understanding the mechanics of structures. The sector thrives on well-trained and skilled tradespeople, demand demand for workers remains high, but the real challenge lies in filling critical skills shortages for key roles like bricklaying, electrical installation, and carpentry.

Building trades careers in brief

Some of the major skills in which people who work in the building trades are trained include:

• electrical installation and maintenance
• plumbing
• bricklaying
• plastering
• carpentry and joinery (woodworking)
• gas installation and maintenance
• air conditioning and refrigeration.

We will look at each of these in turn.

Electrical installation and maintenance

Electricians play a critical role in power generation and supply, focusing on installation, maintenance, and repair. The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, introduced in July 2018, serve as the foundational requirement for entering the industry, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of essential regulations. Individuals aiming for a career in this field must be well-versed in these regulations as they're fundamental for starting within the industry.

The pathway to becoming a qualified civilian electrician requires achieving the NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services. Additional qualifications, like the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installation award, can enhance employment opportunities, but NVQ Level 3 is essential for entry. CITB forecasts a growing demand for qualified electricians in the coming years, presenting favourable prospects. However, transitioning to a civilian electrician role often requires substantial training, even for individuals with electrical experience during military service.

Prospective electricians must pass the Electrotechnical Services NVQ at level 3, a crucial step in obtaining qualification. Consideration of allocating ELC funding toward this qualification might be beneficial. Apprenticeships with electrical contractors are viable paths, but availability depends on local job markets and employer demands, but individuals can also access fast-track training through Skills Bootcamps and Homebuilding Skills Hubs, providing an accelerated route to qualification. Completing City & Guilds Technical Certificates in Electro Technical Technology levels 2 and 3 at a college can offer theoretical grounding, but securing a work based NVQ is essential for full qualification. Industry bodies emphasize the importance of securing employment with an electrical contractor while pursuing certifications to ensure completion of the NVQ.

For individuals leaving the armed forces aspiring to delve into electrical installation and maintenance, a clear understanding of these educational pathways and the requisite qualifications is fundamental for a successful transition into this field.

FACTFILE

THE CSCS LABOURER CARD

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) was set up to help the construction industry improve quality and reduce accidents. CSCS cards are increasingly demanded as proof of occupational competence by contractors, public and private clients and others. They cover many building trades-related occupations so there is a card suitable for all roles.

was set up to help the construction industry improve quality and reduce accidents. CSCS cards are increasingly demanded as proof of occupational competence by contractors, public and private clients and others. They cover many building trades-related occupations so there is a card suitable for all roles.

Those working in a labouring occupation can apply for the CSCS Labourer card, which is valid for five years. To do so, you will need to have passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test within the last two years.

You can apply for this card if you have completed the QCF level 1/SCQF level 4 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment or SCQF level 5 REHIS Elementary Health and Safety Certificate. This is a lifetime qualification that needs to be completed only once and will be accepted in five years’ time when renewing your Labourer card.

To find out how to take this qualification, contact your local college of further education, training centre or Jobcentre Plus.

CSCS also accepts alternative courses. For a full list of these please use the card finder tool on the CSCS website.

You must also pass the CITB Operatives Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) test within two years prior to applying for a new card. You can find out more about the test here and, to find out more about the scheme, click here.

Plumbing

Plumbers play a crucial role in installing and maintaining various systems, including central heating, sanitation, drainage, and rainwater systems. They work with different heating sources like gas, electricity, oil, or solid fuel and handle repair tasks, routine maintenance, and emergency fixes. Their responsibilities encompass fitting refrigeration and water purification systems, among other essential installations.

In the UK, plumbers are employed by plumbing or maintenance firms or work as self-employed individuals, especially in the domestic sector. They operate either independently or as part of a team, often interacting directly with clients for domestic repairs and maintenance.

City & Guilds offers comprehensive domestic heating and plumbing courses covering crucial aspects like:

• domestic water systems,
• central heating,
• sanitation,
• environmental technologies,
• and gas safety.

City & Guilds remains a major provider of plumbing qualifications, but fast-track training options, like Homebuilding Skills Hubs, now provide a quicker pathway to entry-level roles.

The level 3 NVQ plumbing and heating qualification is designed for those who have completed the level 2 qualification or possess relevant experience and knowledge. Utilizing the ELC funding could be beneficial, especially when pursuing gas-related units at level 3, leading to the Gas Safe license upon successful completion.

For armed forces members considering a career in plumbing, understanding the City & Guilds courses and the potential for qualification levels through NVQ certifications, including leveraging ELC funding for advanced levels, is essential for a successful transition into this field.

Bricklaying

Bricklayers remain pivotal in the construction field, working with diverse materials to create various architectural effects like ornamental walls and vaulted archways. Their responsibilities include using specialized tools for mortar spreading, brick cutting, and ensuring precision in wall construction. This role demands outdoor work, comfort at heights, physical fitness, diligence, and adherence to architectural instructions. While bricklayers may still travel within the UK for assignments, opportunities to work internationally have declined due to post-Brexit visa restrictions.

Wage rates for bricklayers are set annually by BATJIC, but due to labour shortages, pay has exceeded these rates, especially in regions where demand is high. Additionally, experienced bricklayers can progress into technical, supervisory, or managerial positions within the field.

For military personnel contemplating a career in bricklaying, embracing the physical demands, outdoor work environment, and attention to detail aligns with the core requisites of this profession. Exploring opportunities for progression into supervisory or managerial roles could be a strategic move for long-term career growth.

Plastering

Plasterers perform essential tasks, from applying wet finishes on walls, ceilings, and floors (solid plastering) to crafting ornamental plasterwork (fibrous plastering) typically found on decorative ceilings. This role often involves working indoors, with some activities at heights. Wage rates are annually determined by BATJIC, offering opportunities for overtime and additional incentives due to a current shortage of skilled labour.

Subcontracted plasterers are often paid per linear meter or through job-and-finish payment schemes, where faster completion earns higher pay. The field offers significant job satisfaction, with pathways for progression into higher roles or even establishing one's own plastering business.

For those transitioning from the armed forces, the meticulous nature of plastering, job satisfaction, and potential for career advancement might align well with the traits cultivated during military service. Exploring opportunities for entrepreneurship within this field can be a viable option for long-term career growth.

Carpentry and joinery (woodworking)

Carpenters and joiners play a vital role in constructing buildings by fabricating and installing various wooden components, ranging from floorboards and roof trusses to intricately designed windows and doors. Their work involves the use of specialized woodworking tools and working with diverse wood types, requiring meticulous attention to detail and the ability to calculate angles and dimensions for precise fittings. Collaborative teamwork and mathematical proficiency are essential traits for success in this field.

While BATJIC sets annual wage guidance, carpenter wages have risen significantly beyond these standards due to critical labour shortages. Carpenters and joiners often transition into allied roles like form working, shopfitting, bench joinery, maintenance work, and interior systems installation. Carpenters and joiners can progress into supervisory roles or start their own businesses. The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) provides guidance on self-employment for veterans.

For individuals leaving the armed forces, the precise nature of carpentry and joinery, emphasis on teamwork, and opportunities for entrepreneurship within the field can align well with the skills and attributes developed during military service. Exploring varied specializations within woodworking may offer diverse career trajectories and advancement opportunities.

Gas installation and maintenance

Individuals working on gas appliances or fittings must demonstrate competence and be registered with the Gas Safe Register (GSR). The ACS certification requires in-person practical assessments. While some coursework can be done online, assessments must be completed in person. The ACS comprises a two-day core domestic gas safety assessment along with appliance-specific assessments, usually taking half a day each. Typically, it takes a competent student around five days to complete the full suite of domestic qualifications. It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the training required for full gas engineer certification, depending on prior experience.

New Opportunities and Qualifications

Energy & Utility Skills has formulated a comprehensive range of occupational standards and qualifications spanning levels 1 to 4. These qualifications aim for widespread applicability across various industries, facilitating employment flexibility across the sector.

Click Here to read our full-length feature on gas installation and maintenance careers and training.

For individuals transitioning from the armed forces, exploring a career in gas installation and maintenance could be a viable option. By gaining relevant certifications and registrations, former military personnel can potentially find rewarding opportunities in this field.

Air conditioning and refrigeration

The refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) industry is experiencing rapid growth and demands specialized skills. RAC engineers focus on maintaining ideal environments, balancing temperature, and humidity control. The industry emphasizes environmentally friendly practices and efficient energy use through renewable technologies that utilize gases designed not to harm the ozone layer.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Career paths in this field often split into two primary areas:

• Refrigeration Engineers:
  They install, service, and maintain refrigeration systems in diverse establishments like supermarkets, hospitals, and food-processing plants.
  
  
• Air Conditioning Engineers:
  They manage systems controlling air quality, temperature, and humidity in settings such as schools and offices. Both roles may involve on-site work at construction sites based on their specialization.
  
  
• Qualifications and Training:
  To begin a career in this sector, acquiring an NVQ or SVQ at level 2 or 3 is essential, making it a potential use of the ELC funding for veterans. Further specialized training is required for full qualification. While traditional apprenticeships are common, fast-track training via Homebuilding Skills Hubs offers older adults, including veterans, an accelerated pathway into HVAC careers. However, for individuals aged twenty-five and above, pursuing an NVQ/SVQ is also possible without an apprenticeship, though on-site assessments are necessary for real-world application. Gaining the necessary qualifications often spans around four years.

For additional information on working in this sector and relevant training providers, consult the websites of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB).

You can find more information about working in this sector, and about relevant training providers, on the websites of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB).

How do I qualify to work in the building trades?

Many trades within the construction industry are often learned through hands-on experience. However, the industry also offers training programs that combine practical work and education, leading to qualifications that progressively develop expertise in specific areas. One may begin by mastering the fundamentals of a trade and gradually specialize in a particular aspect. Alternatively, some individuals build a diverse portfolio of skills, qualifying them for supervisory roles and broader management positions.

Securing employment in the industry increasingly requires registration, certification of competence, or training in specific building skills. Aspiring individuals can initiate their journey by pursuing vocational qualifications in trades relevant to their interests while gaining practical experience. Developing skills through technical training, obtaining certificates or diplomas, and potentially pursuing professional qualifications, including degrees, can pave the way toward full professional proficiency.

For armed forces personnel exploring a career in the building trades, consider seeking vocational programs or apprenticeships that align with your interests. These programs often offer a mix of theoretical learning and practical experience, providing a pathway to acquire the necessary qualifications for a successful transition into the construction industry.

Use your ELC

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELCAS website and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to the in-depth features elsewhere on the Quest website

BUILDING TRADES APPRENTICESHIPS
Building is arguably the industry sector we all most associate with apprenticeships – and for good reason! You will find a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities available in all the main trades. A good first port of call is the National Construction College’s apprenticeship course webpage. Alternatively, use your favourite search engine to discover more options. Or browse the government’s apprenticeship website (which has a section specifically devoted to construction and the built environment) or Find Apprenticeships, both of which allow you to search for apprenticeship opportunities by area of interest and location.

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