The construction industry employs over 3 million people in the UK, which accounts for 9% of the country’s workforce. This means that the industry is huge, and there are ample opportunities for those interested in this area.
So if you’re looking to enter a career in the construction industry, you’re at the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss:
- The different roles you can take on in the construction industry
- The requirements for a career in construction
- The skills that increase your chances of landing a construction job
- How much money you can expect to make as a construction worker in the UK
Let’s get started!
Different Roles In Construction
There are many different roles you can take on in the construction industry. Here are some of the most popular:
Construction manager: A construction manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising construction projects. They work with architects, engineers, and other construction professionals to make sure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
Construction superintendent: A construction superintendent is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a construction site. They work closely with the construction manager to ensure that all activities are carried out safely and efficiently.
In some cases, they might also be responsible for buying and selling construction equipment on platforms like this.
Construction worker: Construction workers are the backbone of the construction industry. They are responsible for performing the physical labour associated with construction projects. In addition to this, they are also responsible for operating heavy machinery and equipment.
Construction estimator: A construction estimator is responsible for estimating the cost of a construction project. They work with the construction manager to develop a budget for the project.
If you’re interested in checking out more details regarding the responsibilities and qualifications required of these roles you can see our detailed breakdown here.
Requirements For A Career In Construction
As you can see, there are a myriad of different roles you can take on in the construction industry. However, there are also some general requirements that you’ll need to meet in order to pursue a career in this field.
In most cases, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or GED. However, some construction jobs may require you to have completed an apprenticeship or have some experience in the field.
But keep in mind that most employers train workers after they join the company, so don’t let a lack of experience deter you from applying for a construction job.
You’ll also need to be physically fit and able to lift heavy objects. In addition, you should be comfortable working in all weather conditions.
Construction workers must also be able to follow instructions and work well as part of a team. And in some cases, you’ll need to have a valid driver’s licence as some construction jobs may require you to operate a company vehicle.
Finally, some employers prefer candidates with industry-specific certifications. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a 10-hour construction safety course in the US. This certification is not required for all construction jobs, but it may give you a slight advantage when applying for positions.
Similarly, the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) offers a certified construction associate designation. To earn this credential, you must pass an exam that covers the basics of construction management. Again, while not required, having this credential may make you a more attractive candidate for some jobs.
The Skills You Need To Succeed In Construction
As you can see, you don’t need to fulfil a lot of technical requirements to enter a career in construction. Plus, most employers train their employees after hiring them.
This means that competition for construction jobs is usually quite high, and you’ll need to already have some skills to stand out and have a successful career in construction. These include:
Physical fitness: As mentioned earlier, you’ll need to be physically fit to pursue a career in construction. This means that you should be able to lift heavy objects and work for long periods of time.
Manual dexterity: Many construction jobs require the use of tools and machinery. This means that you should have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
Attention to detail: It’s important that construction workers pay attention to detail. This is because even a small mistake can result in a large and expensive problem.
Problem-solving skills: Construction workers often have to solve problems on the job. This could be anything from fixing a broken piece of machinery to finding a way to complete a task more efficiently.
Communication skills: Construction workers need to be able to communicate with their co-workers, supervisors, and clients. This includes being able to give and receive instructions.
If you have these skills, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in construction. But how much can you make? Let’s find out.
How Much Money You Can Expect To Make As A Construction Worker In The UK
Construction workers in the United Kingdom earn a median salary of £28,300 per year. This means that half of all construction workers earn less than this amount and half earn more.
The highest-paid 10% of construction workers earn more than £45,000 per year, while the lowest-paid 10% earn less than £19,600 per year.
These figures are for construction workers of all levels of experience. However, your salary will likely see a significant increase as you gain more experience in the field.
In addition to your salary, you may also receive benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation days, and a pension plan. These benefits vary from employer to employer, so be sure to ask about them during the job application process.
It’s important to remember that manufacturing and construction are still two of the most prominent industries in the UK at the moment. So as the industry continues to grow, so too should the median wage.
Summary
A career in construction can be both rewarding and lucrative. And while you don’t need a lot of experience or qualifications to get started, you will need to be physically fit and have some basic skills.
If you’re looking for a challenging and exciting career, construction might be the right choice for you. If you’re already starting out in construction and are curious to see how career progression might work, then be sure to check out our guide on becoming a construction manager.