Construction

Careers

Lay a firm foundation for yourself with a future that’s safe as houses in one of the variety of practical and supervisory career options offered by a career in the construction industry

What does construction cover?

The construction industry encompasses a wide range of activities involving the building, maintaining, and repairing of various structures and infrastructures. It includes residential construction (homes and apartments), commercial construction (offices and retail spaces), industrial construction (factories and warehouses), and infrastructure construction (roads, bridges, and airports). Additionally, it covers institutional buildings (schools and hospitals), environmental projects (wastewater treatment plants), and specialty trades such as electrical and plumbing work. This industry is essential for economic development, supporting other sectors through the creation of vital infrastructure and providing significant employment opportunities.

‘The house building industry has increased its output at the steepest rate for decades. It is recruiting and training tens of thousands of new people to ensure it can provide the high-quality homes the country needs.’

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman, Home Builders Federation

Who are the employers?

The construction industry includes a diverse range of employers, from large multinational corporations to small local businesses. Major employers include construction companies, engineering firms, property developers, and contractors. Some of the largest and most well-known construction companies globally are Bechtel, Vinci, and ACS Group. In the UK, significant employers include Balfour Beatty, Kier Group, and Laing O'Rourke. These companies are involved in various aspects of construction, including residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Additionally, public sector organizations, such as government departments and local authorities, often employ construction professionals for public works and infrastructure projects.

Transferable skills

The construction industry benefits greatly from the skills and experiences gained by individuals during their service in the armed forces. While traditionally, most construction-related tasks within the armed forces were carried out by the Royal Engineers, today's service members gain a wide range of transferable skills valuable to civilian employers.

Skills Acquired by Officers

As an officer, you likely have a first degree in an engineering discipline, complemented by extensive on-the-job training and experience. Postgraduate qualifications and memberships in civilian institutions are common, enhancing your credentials. Your experience in managing engineering projects, logistics, and team leadership are particularly attractive to future employers. These skills include:

• Project Management: Leading and managing complex projects, often under challenging conditions.
• Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks effectively.
• Leadership and Team Building: Leading diverse teams and fostering a collaborative environment.

Skills Acquired by Non-Commissioned Ranks

For those in non-commissioned ranks, training often includes NVQs at levels 2 and 3, as well as apprenticeships. These qualifications cover a range of construction and engineering skills such as:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in specific trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues swiftly.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and quality in all tasks.
• Discipline and Work Ethic: Strong commitment to completing tasks efficiently and effectively.

Transferable Skills Across All Ranks

Regardless of rank, military service instills a variety of transferable skills valuable in the construction industry:

• Adaptability: Ability to work in diverse environments and adapt to new challenges quickly.
• Communication: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, essential for coordinating with various stakeholders.
• Time Management: Effective prioritization and time management skills.
• Health and Safety Awareness: Strict adherence to safety protocols and procedures.

These skills not only make veterans well-suited for roles in the construction industry but also position them as highly valuable assets to any organization looking for disciplined, skilled, and experienced professionals.

How do I get qualified for a career in construction?

Technical careers

Technicians in the construction industry play a crucial role by combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. They can be qualified in various areas, which are essential for both professional and management careers. Some of the key roles include:

• Architectural Technician: Assists architects in creating detailed drawings and plans.
• Buyer: Procures materials and services required for construction projects.
• CAD Operative: Uses computer-aided design software to create technical drawings.
• Estimator: Calculates the cost of construction projects.
• Planner: Develops project timelines and schedules.
• Plant Technical Support: Provides technical support for construction machinery.
• Roofing Technician: Specializes in the installation and maintenance of roofing systems.
• Site Engineer: Oversees construction projects and ensures technical specifications are met.
• Site Inspector: Ensures construction work complies with safety and building regulations.
• Site Technical Support: Provides technical assistance on construction sites.

Educational Pathways

To start training and pursue a college course in construction, the typical requirements include:

• GCSEs: Four GCSEs at grade C (grade 4) or above, preferably including maths, English, and science subjects. This is a common entry requirement for many construction-related courses.
• A-Levels: Some students may begin their training with A-levels in relevant subjects, which can provide a more advanced starting point.
• Craft Skills: Many individuals start their careers through apprenticeships or craft skills, attending Further Education (FE) colleges to gain national qualifications like NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications).
• National Certificates (NCs)/National Diplomas (NDs): These qualifications, along with vocational qualifications, are also common entry routes into the construction industry.

Craft Careers

Craftsmen and women are essential to the construction industry, responsible for the hands-on work that brings projects to life. They are trained in various trades, including:

• Demolition: Demolition operative, scaffolder, steel erector, steeplejack.
• Interiors: Ceiling fixer, dry liner, floor layer, glazier, painter and decorator, partitioner, plasterer, plumber, renderer, wall and floor tiler.
• Plant Operations: Plant hire controller, plant mechanic, plant operator, plant salesperson.
• Roofing: Built-up felt roofer, lead sheeter, liquid waterproofing systems operative, mastic asphalter, roof sheeter and cladder, roof slater and tiler, single ply roofer.
• Trowel Trades: Bricklayer, construction operative, stonemason.
• Wood Trades: Bench joiner, carpenter and joiner, formworker, shop fitter, wood machinist.
  

Learning and Training

Many of these trades are learned through on-the-job training, often supplemented by formal education and apprenticeships. The construction industry offers various training schemes that combine practical experience with academic learning to help individuals develop expertise in their chosen fields. Examples include:

• Apprenticeships: Provide hands-on experience and academic study, leading to recognized qualifications like NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications).
• Vocational Courses: Courses at Further Education (FE) colleges offer certifications and diplomas in specific trades.
• On-the-Job Training: Many skills are developed through direct work experience under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Career Development

• Building Services: This area covers essential services that allow buildings to operate, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
• Heritage Sector: Involves preserving and restoring historic structures, requiring traditional craft skills to maintain the cultural heritage.

Certification

One example of a certification scheme is the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS), which verifies the skills of plant operators. Administered by the NOCN Group, it provides job cards that prove competency in various plant operations roles.

For more detailed information, you can visit the CPCS website and other relevant sources.

Professional and Management Careers

Entering the construction industry at a professional or management level typically requires academic qualifications. The pathways to these roles include a variety of certifications and degrees, each providing a solid foundation for career advancement:

1. National Certificate (NC), National Diploma (ND), and Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3:

• These are college qualifications in construction-related subjects such as building studies or construction and the built environment.
• They are roughly equivalent to A-levels and provide a good entry point into the industry.
• Typically taken over two years, they can lead to roles such as technician or junior site supervisor.

2. Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND):

• HNCs and HNDs are higher education qualifications often pursued at colleges or universities.
• HNCs are usually completed part-time over two to three years, while HNDs are typically full-time courses lasting two to three years.
• These qualifications prepare individuals for advanced technician roles or trainee management positions, and can lead to professional qualifications such as Incorporated Engineer (IEng) (Jobted) .

3. Foundation Degree:

• A foundation degree usually takes two years full-time or three to four years part-time.
• It provides a pathway to the third year of an honours degree.
• This degree is practical and focuses on developing skills needed for the industry, often including work placements (Jobted).

4. Honours Degree (BA, BSc, BEng, or MEng):

• Honours degrees in subjects like civil engineering, structural engineering, or construction management typically take three to four years to complete full-time, or five or more years part-time.
• Graduates often enter the industry through graduate schemes that provide structured training and lead to professional qualifications such as Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) (Jobted).

Construction Training Options in the UK

The construction industry in the UK offers a wide array of training options designed to equip individuals with the skills and qualifications necessary to build successful careers. These training pathways cater to various interests and career stages, from hands-on trades to managerial and professional roles.

Vocational Qualifications and Apprenticeships

Vocational qualifications, such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), are work-based awards achieved through assessment and training. These qualifications range from Level 1 (entry-level) to Level 7 (senior management) and cover numerous specializations, including bricklaying, carpentry, and plastering. NVQs are offered by various training providers and colleges across the UK.

Apprenticeships combine practical work experience with academic study, allowing individuals to earn a wage while learning. They are available at different levels, including Intermediate (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3), Higher (Level 4-5), and Degree (Level 6-7) apprenticeships. Typically lasting between one and four years, apprenticeships provide a cost-effective route to gaining industry-recognized qualifications. Apprenticeships are supported by government funding and employers, ensuring accessible training for aspiring construction professionals.

Technical and Further Education

Technical and further education in the construction industry encompasses a variety of diplomas and certificates. National Certificates (NC) and National Diplomas (ND) in construction-related subjects such as building studies or construction and the built environment offer foundational knowledge and practical skills. Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Higher National Diplomas (HND) are higher education qualifications that can be pursued part-time or full-time, usually over two to three years. These qualifications prepare individuals for advanced technician roles or trainee management positions, and can lead to professional qualifications such as Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

City & Guilds, a renowned provider of vocational qualifications, offers courses across various construction trades. Their qualifications range from introductory courses to advanced trade-specific certifications, ensuring comprehensive training for all skill levels.

Degree Programs

Degree programs provide advanced education and training for those aiming for professional and managerial roles in construction. Foundation degrees combine academic study with work-based learning and typically take two years full-time or three to four years part-time. They offer a pathway to the third year of an honours degree program.

Bachelor's degrees (BA, BSc, BEng, MEng) in fields such as civil engineering, structural engineering, or construction management usually take three to four years to complete full-time, or longer part-time. Graduates often enter the industry through structured graduate schemes that provide tailored training and lead to professional qualifications such as Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Surveyor (MRICS).

Specialist Training and Certification Schemes

The Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) is a certification scheme that provides job cards to verify the skills of plant operators. Managed by the NOCN Group, CPCS certification is increasingly necessary for demonstrating competence in specific plant operation roles.

Professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) offer various certifications and qualifications. These professional credentials are essential for advancing to senior roles within the construction industry.

Short Courses and Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Short courses in the construction industry cover a wide range of topics, including health and safety, project management, and specific trade skills. These courses typically last from a few days to several weeks and lead to recognized certifications like NVQ/QCF/C&G.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses are designed to help construction professionals keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date. Offered by various professional bodies and training providers, CPD ensures that individuals remain competitive and competent in their roles.

Training for Specific Trades

Training for specific trades, such as painting and decorating, often requires NVQ qualifications to work on commercial building sites. These qualifications are relatively straightforward to attain, taking about eight weeks full-time or 35 weeks part-time to reach Level 3.

For tilers, short courses can range from five-day foundation skills programs to four-week full-time courses. These comprehensive courses cover everything from basic skills to setting up a business, including pricing jobs, communication, safety, and handling materials. Accredited courses often lead to NVQ/QCF/C&G certifications.

Other trades, such as roofing or heritage skills, offer specialized training leading to qualifications like the Level 3 NVQ in Roofing Occupations or the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills. These practical courses necessitate attendance and are unlikely to be available as distance learning options.

Advanced Career Changes

For those considering a major career change, a Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery Diploma offers a comprehensive introduction to the construction arena. This full-time course takes one year to complete and requires prior completion of Levels 1 and 2.

Training to become a technical surveyor or land surveyor involves studying at HNC and HND levels, respectively. These courses typically take two years full-time and may require prior qualifications in maths and science.

Managerial roles within the construction industry are ideal for individuals with proven leadership skills. Building or construction management courses develop communication, numeracy, and logistics skills while covering health and safety legislation and risk assessment regulations. A foundation degree in construction management can cost around £7,500 and take two years full-time or four years part-time to complete.

For those interested in architecture but unable to commit to the seven years of full-time study required to become an architect, an Office Manager Diploma offers an alternative. This diploma covers a range of administrative skills, including payroll, bookkeeping, HR, and business law. It can be completed in seven weeks full-time or approximately 120 hours via distance learning, with costs ranging from £250 to £1,000.

Conclusion

The construction industry in the UK provides diverse training options to suit various career paths and aspirations. From vocational qualifications and apprenticeships to advanced degree programs and specialized certification schemes, there are numerous pathways to build a successful career in construction. Continuous professional development and short courses ensure that professionals can keep their skills up-to-date and remain competitive in this dynamic industry.

CONSTRUCTION APPRENTICESHIPS

The industry has its own apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeships, as well as a construction apprentice scheme for younger entrants. Use your favourite search engine to find out more, or click here to browse options near you

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 our in-depth features elsewhere on the Quest website

To view a full list of construction training courses click here