Careers In The Construction Industry

In the current global economy, construction remains one of the stalwarts of the market. It can range from Building Skills, to Architecture and on to Design and even Health and Safety issues at work. There are so many different ways to become a professional worker in construction.

In the construction industry there are three levels to consider. "Unskilled" and "Semi-Skilled" workers have little or no formal credentials, but generally make up the bulk of the on-site workforce. Foremen and Site Managers are known as "Skilled", mainly due to the level of technical skills they're qualified and experienced in.

Finally, there are Technical and Management workers. These people have trained to design and/or manage the overall process and as such are the most qualified within their field.

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 Training within Great Britain

Within the UK, the skilled occupations require Further Education qualifications - often in a vocational subject. Once compulsory education in schools has been completed, students can either further their knowledge through training at work or by attending one of the prescribed colleges. Between 2006 and 2007 over 9,000 apprenticeships in construction were allocated in the United Kingdom. As of last year, there were over 600,000 people employed throughout the construction industry with 18,000 students being trained.There are three different sectors in the construction industry as a whole. They're very different in nature and scope, and require distinctive skill-sets. The first is Building Construction...

Fundamentally this is the process of adding to and enhancing domestic properties. For example with the addition of rooms or renovation of bathrooms etc. Profit centred organisations that work on medium sized projects come under the heavy construction category. Sitting at the top in terms of scale is industrial construction. Without a doubt profit is often behind the large scale ownership of these projects.

A greater range of skills and professions are needed to complete the civil and industrial construction projects. The scope of the projects range from a few hundred pounds for small building work through to a few million or even billion pounds to complete two year industrial projects. Below you'll find a list of professional construction related careers and training requirements.

Project Managers

Project Managers have often worked in construction in various roles before specialising and training in specific PM disciplines (such as PMBOK). Engineers and surveyors often make good project managers.

Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer usually holds a degree in a relative subject. In addition the Chartered Engineer certification can be obtained through the Institution of Civil Engineers. Typically graduates must hold qualifications such as the MEng in order to reach the chartered rank. Those with Bachelor's Degrees may, as a result, become Incorporated Engineers.

Building Services Engineering

B S Engineers are also known as M and E Engineers. Building Services Engineers typically graduate with a Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree. BS engineers can enhance their career prospects by joining their chartered institute. Membership at different levels is available for anyone studying or working in building services.

Quantity Surveyor

Professional degree level qualifications are important in quantity surveying. Chartered status is gained from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

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.

Architect

Twelve months practical experience follows the first degree, then a further two years on a second degree or diploma, with more practical experience and exams following that. Architects work closely with other construction professionals, such as engineers, quantity surveyors and the other specialists referred to above.