Alternative-Careers.co.uk

What About Careers In Construction?

Currently construction is one of the leading industries in today's world. It can range from Building Skills, to Architecture and on to Design and even Health and Safety issues at work. With so many inter-related roles and disciplines, training and qualifications vary enormously.

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. Following this are the skilled workers, who've trained and built up their abilities. Many take on lower management positions. At the top of the scale we have the careers relating to more senior management and technical staff. These people have trained to design and/or manage the overall process and as such are the most qualified within their field.

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How To Train In The Construction Sector

Skilled jobs demand some form of further education study - predominantly in subjects connected to the vocation itself. These qualifications are either obtained directly through colleges, or through 'on the job' training. Just over two years ago, over 8,500 construction training positions began in this country. In addition to the 613,000 or so people within the construction trades in the UK during 2009 another 18,000 students were assigned to training programmes.

In the industry there are three standard construction sectors. They all focus on different areas of the market.

Building Construction is the initial area to check off. This is the process by which structural improvements are made to established buildings. 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.

Industrial Construction is a relatively small part of the entire construction industry, but it is a key part of it. Due to the size of the schemes the owners are often very large profit-based entities.

The large industrial developments (and the bigger civil ones too) require very experienced professionals from many different backgrounds. Without a doubt the costs of ventures increase from a few hundred pounds for small projects through to many millions of pounds for large industrial schemes. Let's now get an overview of some of the professionals who work in the industry:

Civil Engineering

It's usual for a civil engineer to have an appropriate university degree. In addition the Chartered Engineer certification can be obtained through the Institution of Civil Engineers. To achieve chartered status engineering graduates need to hold the four year MEng. With a three year BEng under your belt you could consider becoming an Incorporated Engineer.

Building Engineers

These can also be referred to as 'M&E Engineers'. These candidates usually hold degrees in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Graduating M and E Engineers can join the CIBSE at Graduate level to increase their contacts and networks of professionals.

Project Manager

Individuals typically hold a 2 year or greater higher education qualification, but are also qualified in another field such as 'Quantity Surveying' or 'Civil Engineering'.

Quantity Surveyor

To qualify for construction work in quantity surveying, candidates must initially graduate at degree level or above. With 2 years practical experience in a related field, you can complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and become a member of RICS - the profession's Royal Institute.

Structural Engineers

Anyone working as a structural engineer on major projects will have their say about the environment we live in. SE's often work alongside architects and designers on the construction of structures. New university graduates must hold a Masters Degree to gain Chartered status from the Institute of Structural Engineers.

Architecture

Becoming an architect generally requires a minimum 4 year Degree in Architecture with practical work experience and further training as well. To use the title of Architect, the individual must hold Chartered Status with the Royal Institute of British Architects, and be on the Architects Registration Board.