11 Jul, 2024
BuildForce Armed Forces insight day hosted by Morgan Sindall 9 Oct 2024
This is an opportunity to hear from the wider Morgan Sindall Group on what they have to offer, and meet with many of their…
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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The construction industry in the UK remains a significant sector due to increasing demands for new residential properties as well as industrial and commercial infrastructures. 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, and demand remains high across various roles within construction. Exploring these roles could pave the way for a fulfilling career post-military service.
Some of the major skills in which people who work in the building trades are trained include:
We will look at each of these in turn.
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 involves pursuing qualifications such as the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installation award and progressing to level 4 and beyond through bodies like Energy & Utility Skills. 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. 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.
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.
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:
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.
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. Bricklayers often travel for assignments, even internationally.
The wage rates in this trade are established annually by the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC), with opportunities for overtime and incentives. 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.
BATJIC
Find out about the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) via the
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 labour in plastering is often compensated based on an agreed price per linear meter of partition installed, emphasizing the importance of speed and accuracy in the job. 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.
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.
Wage rates, regulated annually by BATJIC, offer opportunities for overtime and additional incentives. Carpenters and joiners often transition into allied roles like form working, shopfitting, bench joinery, maintenance work, and interior systems installation. Some progress into managerial positions or establish their own woodworking businesses, highlighting potential avenues for career growth.
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.
Individuals working on gas appliances or fittings must demonstrate competence and be registered with the Gas Safe Register (GSR). Competency can be validated through the Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) offered via distance learning programs. 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.
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.
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:
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).
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.
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.
GENERAL
Find out more about the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) via:
Registration: www.gassaferegister.co.uk/services/becoming-registered
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