Getting Ahead in the Construction Industry

With new regeneration and Government housing targets, the construction industry is facing the toughest challenges yet. With new projects in commercial and residential developments, growing pressures for sustainable and low impact development and the need for low cost housing, better and faster results are being expected from everyone involved in the construction industry from planners to those on site every day.

As a result of all these new opportunities and challenges in construction there are new construction jobs becoming available every day throughout the entire sphere of the industry. The experience and level of qualification required is also changing, and may require due consideration if you are searching for construction jobs.

Entry into the construction industry can come about at any level of education with on the job training and work experience still seen as one of the main requirements for any employer. Obviously, there are specific vocational qualifications required for specialised jobs such as architecture, building and quantity surveying and building engineering, but in general the construction industry places high value on practical ability and experience.

On the job training could include modern apprenticeships, advanced modern apprenticeships and other industry-related qualifications, for example, Edexcel and City and Guilds qualifications in carpentry and joinery. There are also many forms of college training courses available to help you progress up the ladder and when combined with on-site experience the construction industry will become more open to you no matter what your previous career choices. Of course, having a degree in your chosen area is a huge boon to any employer as most vocational degrees involve an element of practical learning and training meaning you are employable immediately and are already trained to industry standards. The construction industry sector also covers the highways and roads of the UK and many people enter this area with a BTEC First Diploma in Construction and move on once they have further experience on site.

Whether refurbishing existing buildings, creating new spaces, or maintaining the safety of roads and highways, the construction industry is responsible for our safety and the safety of its employees, therefore it should come as no surprise that when it comes to qualifications its important to ensure you have fulfill the relevant safety requirements for working on site, regardless of the position you are looking to hold.

Most crew onsite will be expected to have the basic certification in Working at Heights, for example, and where relevant site workers will require a Fork Lift Truck Driving license or a specific vehicle license appropriate to the task in hand. Those aiming to operate heavy machinery on site should carry the newly introduced CPCS card in order to prove they have the relevant competence and skills.

With larger contractors looking to fill positions as diverse crewmembers and project managers in all aspects of development and regeneration, there are many opportunities continually arising in all aspects of the industry. There are also plenty of courses available to retrain and improve your knowledge of this continually changing industry, whether you're new to the job or simply want to improve your standing within the industry.

Duncan freer - Director - Construction Jobs Search is a job site dedicated to the specific needs of candidates who work in the building services and construction industry in the UK. We also provide recruiters with an online service that is effective in terms of cost and ease of use. For interviews, images or comments contact: Duncan freer, Director, Email: duncan@constructionjobsearch.co.uk