Continuing with our feature to profile different careers to help children and young make important decisions about their future career, this week we are featuring some of the wide range of job opportunities in the construction industry.
When people mention careers in construction, many people immediately think of jobs within the building trade. However, there are a wide variety of careers within the industry on offer.
We’ve highlighted some of the careers you could get into below. You can find out even more via the National Careers Service www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Bricklayer
On a day-to-day basis, bricklayers build houses, repair walls and chimneys and refurbish decorative stonework. They can work on large scale building sites or specialise in smaller residential work.
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
College
There are a number of courses available:
- Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
- Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying
- Level 2 Diploma in Trowel Occupations
- T Level in On Site Construction
Entry requirements
- 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship course mixes on the job training with a college course and will give you the opportunity to earn money as you train.
- Bricklaying Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Craft Bricklaying Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Construction Manager
Construction Manager’s are responsible for the overall delivery of building projects, ensuring they’re completed safely, within budget and on time.
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
- building studies or building engineering
- surveying or civil engineering
- construction engineering
- construction site management
- estimating
Find out about courses and universities accredited by The Chartered Institute of Building
Entry requirements
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You could do a degree apprenticeship in:
- construction site management
- design and construction management
Entry requirements
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to move up into this job after gaining several years experience in another construction industry role like:
- estimator
- building technician
- surveyor
- site supervisor
Electrician
On a day-to-day basis, electricians fit, service and repair electric machines, equipment and wires. You can work for a firm or for yourself and work on big constructions or residential projects.
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
College
A college course can give you some of the technical knowledge and practical skills you'll need to become an electrician. You'll still need practical experience in the workplace to become fully qualified.
Doing a course may help you get an apprenticeship or trainee position.
- Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering (Electrical)
- Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation
- T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction
Entry requirements
2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
Apprenticeship
You can do an installation and maintenance electrician advanced apprenticeship or domestic electrician advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
Quantity surveyor
Quantity surveyors oversee construction projects, managing risks and controlling costs.
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You could do a quantity surveying degree or a postgraduate conversion course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Relevant degree subjects include:
- construction
- structural or civil engineering
- maths
- geography
- economics
- land studies
Entry requirements
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
Apprenticeship
You could take a surveying technician advanced apprenticeship, followed by further training on the job, or a chartered surveyor or construction quantity surveyor degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship