Construction Jobs: What Does The Industry Have to Offer?

The UK construction industry is booming in 2022. Read on to find out about the industry and what it has to offer you.

The construction industry makes up a massive percentage of the UK job market, employing 3.1 million people or 9 per cent of the workforce. It’s also one of the few industries that’s continuously growing despite the pandemic, by a predicted 3.9 per cent in 2022. There are common conceptions that the industry is made up of manual labourers, however there’s actually a wide range of construction jobs that attracts a broad spectrum of professionals.

So, what does this industry have to offer you?

There are lots of construction careers to choose from which require different skills. It’s best to think about your key strengths and tailor your construction career accordingly. Below are some popular construction jobs that might be suitable for you.

Architects are responsible for planning, developing, and implementing building designs. Their role includes making reports and project proposals, evaluating the environmental impact of a building, and estimating costs. Architects are often creative people with a keen attention to detail and design skills. To be an architect you either need a degree recognised by the Architects Registration Board and a year of practical work experience or you could apply for an architect degree apprenticeship.

Construction site managers are responsible for overseeing and directing construction projects from start to finish, and have a deep insight into building projects. They oversee all onsite and offsite constructions and monitor safety regulations. Site managers need to have excellent communication skills and knowledge of building methods and regulations. Since they’re in charge of building sites, they also need to be comfortable with leading a team. To be a construction site manager you’ll need to have a relevant degree in a subject such as construction management, building management, or surveying and have previous experience in a construction career, for example as an estimator, building technician, surveyor, or site supervisor.

Quantity surveyors estimate the costs of building projects. They work alongside builders and architects to assist in design, construction, demolition, refurbishment, and maintenance. The key skills of a surveyor include strong numerical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to negotiate. If this matches your skillset, you’ll need to acquire a degree in quantity surveying or commercial management accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or alternatively a undergraduate degree and a RICS accredited postgraduate conversion course.

The most common construction jobs in the UK are construction labouring jobs, known as ground workers. They carry out manual work on sites such as laying concrete, paving roads, and digging foundations. They make an average salary of £10.93 per hour and are more in demand than ever, with 216,800 new workers needed by 2025 to meet the UK’s construction demand. If you want to start a career as a construction labourer you should complete an apprenticeship or college course, such as the Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills or Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations.

There are lots of benefits to a job in construction which makes it an excellent industry to work in. Workers benefit from job security, since there’s always demand for new buildings or repairs. A construction career also changes from day-to-day, so there’s always something new to learn—you could be doing anything from repairing a road or estimating building costs depending on your job role.

Before jumping into a construction role it’s important to do your research and find a job that matches your skills and interests. Here’s how you can find your dream construction career:

• Take career assessments. To match your skills to a job, check out a career assessment. This is a valuable tool to help you narrow down your dream career search. Take a look at this construction career assessment

• List your options. Finding your chosen career can feel overwhelming, so start listing all your possible options, focusing on your interests and hobbies and finding a job that best matches you.

• Ask an industry professional. Sometimes the best way to determine your dream career is to talk to someone who’s already in the industry. You’ll get valuable insights into the true nature of the career you’re interested in.

So, are you considering a career in construction? If it sounds appealing to you then it’s a good idea to contact a recruitment agency that specialises in the construction industry.

SSA Recruitment Group is a highly dedicated firm of recruitment and search consultants in the United Kingdom. We connect our clients to the best talent, and have placed thousands of professionals in their dream construction jobs. Take a look at our available career opportunities here.