So you want to be - CareerStructure.com
Just starting out in the construction industry or an experienced professional thinking of changing direction? CareerStructure.com has put together a guide on all the key roles in the industry to help you decide where best to apply your skills. Find out what experience, qualifications and background you need for all sorts of technical, managerial and professional opportunities across the industry from a Civil Engineer and Architect through to a CAD Technician and Contracts Manager. Click on the links below for an insight into what's involved.
Architect
Architects need more than just an eye for detail and a flair for design. They also need good people skills and must be excellent communicators.
Once the initial ideas for a new building have been sketched out, it's the architect's job to design the building in detail. But the job isn't just about drawing or using computer aided design (CAD). Good architects will also specify building materials and finishes and liaise regularly with the construction team, the client and other team members. It is also their job to deal with local authorities when obtaining planning permission.
There is a minimum of seven years training to become an architect, starting with an architecture degree recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (
www.riba.org).
To join one of these courses students should have had a broad secondary education, which has encompassed a mixture of arts and sciences. They should have the equivalent of 2 A Levels, GCSE grades A-C in maths, English and science. Many Schools of Architecture also accept GNVQ and BTEC qualifications. However all universities and courses are different so it's best to check them out first.
Following university, graduates spend a year in an architectural office, followed by a 2 year diploma and another year's work experience.
Newly qualified architects can expect to earn around £20,000, an associate in a private practice about £33,000 and a partner around £40,000. As usual, salaries in London are higher. Many architects set up their own practices and can earn even more, while others choose to move into project management. For more information on careers in architecture, visit
www.architecture.com.
Building Surveyor
Those with an interest in architectural heritage, and who enjoy variety in their work, could be suited to the role of building surveyor.
It is the building surveyor's job to be involved in the design, maintenance, alteration, repair and refurbishment of existing buildings, ensuring that they are structurally sound. To achieve this they carry out structural surveys, undertake legal work, prepare plans and specifications and advise people on energy saving, conservation and preservation issues. A thorough knowledge of the entire building process is required, as well as a comprehensive understanding of environmental and planning procedures.
There are no specific requirements to begin training as a building surveyor, although most entrants do have A Levels or an equivalent qualification. Qualified building surveyors hold a BTEC or HND/HNC, and four GCSE passes grades A-C.
There are two main ways to train as a building surveyor. The first is through the Chartered Institute of Buildings (
www.ciob.org.uk). This requires members to have an honours degree and 2 years experience in a building-related field, or to have passed the CIOB examination. The second involves studying for a qualification accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (
www.rics.org.uk). Trainees then have to complete an Assessment of Professional Competence. In both cases trainees work towards NVQ level 4.
Graduate building surveyors can expect to earn around £14,000, a chartered surveyor about £24,000 and a partner about £43,000.
CAD Technician
The construction sector offers numerous openings for those with an interest in computers who are seeking an exciting, challenging career. CAD technicians, for example, use computer generated drawings to prepare the information needed for a construction project. They work with individuals across a wide range of fields, from architects to building, civil and structural engineers.
With such a large proportion of their work on-screen, individuals must be proficient with a computer and enjoy working in this environment. However, there are also opportunities to work on site, working through the design and producing the information required to get a job finished.
Good communication skills are required, as is an interest in art and design, plus a good understanding of construction methods and processes. In return, a CAD technician can expect to earn anything from £15,000 to £40,000, depending on experience.
CAD technician trainees will usually need GCSE passes grades A-C or their equivalent in maths, science and technology, which will be useful for the calculations, measurements and theory. Alternatively, a BTEC, NC, HND or HNC in engineering surveying can lead to a trainee technician post.
Most people start off as an engineering operative or draftsperson, doing the most routine aspects of technical drawing. They then train as an engineering technician and work towards an NVQ level 3 of CAD Operation or the City & Guilds Certificate. They combine on the job training with day release to college.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineering is all about creating, improving and protecting the environment in which we live. It enables us to enjoy our day-to-day life and for transport and industry to go about its work, offering a challenging and varied career.
Civil engineers are instrumental in the design and construction of structures such as buildings, bridges, pipelines, dams, railways and roads. There are many different elements to the job, with opportunities to specialise and to work abroad.
Candidates need a good grasp of maths and design as well as the ability to manage and communicate with a wide range of people. A degree, BTEC or HND in civil engineering is required to qualify as a civil engineer, although the requirements to gain a place on a degree course vary between universities.
Becoming a chartered or incorporated engineer or an engineering technician requires several stages of training. Candidates complete an initial period of professional development followed by a professional review before finally gaining membership of a professional body such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (
www.ice.org.uk) or the Institution of Engineering and Technology (
www.theiet.org). The minimum age to register as a qualified civil engineer is currently 25.
Newly qualified graduate engineers can expect to earn £16,000-£21000, while the average basic income of ICE Members in 2004 was £44,000.
Commercial Manager
The commercial team within any construction organisation is concerned with winning new business, exploring new avenues of activity and seeking opportunities that the company can exploit in its bid to develop and grow. Within these teams, commercial managers are responsible for the financial management of projects, putting together bids for new work and negotiating and agreeing contracts, often worth many millions of pounds.
Commercial managers are experienced individuals who have risen through the ranks of the industry, often starting either as engineers or quantity surveyors. Their role is broad and includes anything from risk management to procurement, financial reporting and managing the supply chain.
Among the qualities such individuals must possess are strong commercial awareness, strong client liaison skills, project management and team leadership. They also need an extensive understanding of the construction industry, flexibility and a talent for negotiation.
As qualified individuals with several years of experience, commercial managers are often members of relevant professional bodies such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (
www.ice.org.uk), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (
www.rics.org) or the Institute of Commercial Management (
www.instcm.net).
Experienced Commercial Managers can expect to earn in excess of £50,000 with benefits and bonus schemes.
Contracts Manager
Construction schemes are often so large, long-term and complex that they require contracts managers to ensure the entire enterprise remains on course, on budget and profitable. Their job is to plan, control and monitor the construction process, and often work on several projects at a time.
As well as managing the overall programmes, they are also responsible for employee welfare, implementing the company health and safety policy, ensuring the project meets client expectations, co-ordinating both internal and external suppliers and sub contractors, as well as liaising with clients.
Contracts managers are usually graduates in a relevant subject such as building or civil engineering, with a minimum of 3-5 years' experience. Project management skills are important and a sound knowledge of contract law and how it applies to engineering and construction contracts is essential.
They need to be excellent negotiators and communicators, commercially aware and able to run a team confidently. They assist in the tender process and program all works, following the project through all stages from start to hand over.
Typically in the United Kingdom a senior project manager can earn between £60,000 and £80,000 a year. However, this can go up to £120,000 in central London with a high profile project.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers in the construction sector research, design, and maintain plant and machinery for projects, including lighting, heating, ventilation and lift systems. They often work with a team of professionals including engineers from other disciplines, architects, engineering technicians and IT staff.
Duties vary from project to project but may include drawing up technical plans and specifications, and estimating the material and labour costs. They oversee inspection and maintenance programmes, attending meetings, writing reports and giving presentations to managers and clients.
To be an electrical engineer, candidates normally need a degree or foundation degree in electrical or electronic engineering or engineering technology. An Edexcel (BTEC) HNC/HND in electrical engineering is also a valid route into the career.
For further information on courses and careers in building services engineering, visit the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (
www.cibse.org).
If you are aged between 16 and 24 you may be able to progress through an engineering apprenticeship scheme, initially qualifying as a technician. Meanwhile, graduate apprenticeship schemes are commonly available for those holding a first degree. To gain professional status, individuals register with a relevant professional engineering institution and apply for Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status.
New entrants earn between £18,000 and £21,000 a year. Experienced incorporated engineers earn between £28,000 and £37,000 a year. Income for qualified chartered electrical engineers is between £40,000 and £49,000 a year.
Estimator
The estimator's job is critical to the success and profitability of any construction project. Their role is to calculate the approximate total cost of the building work at the start of a project using the contract drawings and the list of materials required. To do this they also find the cost of items from the buyer's prices and calculate the time it will take to do the work.
Most estimators work for a contractor or specialist sub-contractor, alongside colleagues including architects, construction managers, planners, buyers and quantity surveyors.
There are no specific academic entry requirements to train as an estimator, although GCSE passes in science, technology, and particularly maths will be helpful for measurements and estimations. Good communication and organisational skills are key to this role as estimators regularly need to talk to their colleagues and the client's representatives, including architects and engineers.
Estimators needs good understanding of construction methods and processes, and most entrants are already trained in an aspect of construction or building. Individuals usually begin as an assistant technician and progress to more supervisory roles.
Estimators are normally based in offices that can range from large open plan, to temporary offices on a construction site. In some roles they may spend time on the shop floor or in a processing plant where they may need to wear protective clothing. Travel to customers' premises may be involved.
Assistant estimators can expect to earn about £20,000, while senior estimators can take home over £45,000.
Facilites Manager
There's a lot more to facilities management these days than changing the light bulbs. Facilities management has become one of the fastest growing professions in the UK and facilities managers now command more influence in both the day-to-day running and the strategic operations of organisations.
Effective facilities managers provide a safe and efficient working environment, as well as maintaining and developing myriad services. The role encompasses property strategy, space management and communications infrastructure, building maintenance, administration and contract management.
Increasingly facilities management practitioners play a crucial role in enabling new working styles and processes; enhancing an organisation's identity and image; ensuring business continuity, and protecting the workforce in an era of heightened security alerts.
To work in facilities management you have the choice of joining an in-house department, a specialist contractor, a large multi-service provider, a consortium delivering the full range of design, build, finance and management services or a consultancy. Many come to facilities management from other roles, such as maintenance, estates management and administration but it is increasingly common for graduates with facilities management qualifications to enter the profession. Good communication skills are essential, as are the ability to think on your feet and keep your customers happy.
The average salary for a facilities manager is £37,000, although that varies wildly across sectors and regions. A senior manager can command an average of £54,500. directors earn anywhere between £60,000 and £100,000. For more information on careers in facilities management, visit British Institute of Facilities Management (
www.bifm.org.uk).
Graduate
Construction is one of the UK's best performing market sectors. In addition, it is the UK's biggest single export, contributing £1 billion a year. The industry offers talented graduates from a range of degree backgrounds and walks of life rewarding, long-term career prospects.
People with a foundation degree or degree in a subject such as civil engineering, building or construction management, can expect a high level of responsibility when they enter the industry. Graduates will be trained for specialist or management positions and will have the opportunity to gain professional qualifications such as chartered status. There are also openings for graduates from a broad range of backgrounds, from specific areas such as IT and finance to those from more general disciplines who are seeking senior management and administrative roles within larger organisations.
Indeed, there are increasing numbers of graduates entering the industry without construction-related degrees. As a result, a graduate diploma programme has been established. This is a conversion course designed to provide participants with the technical and managerial competencies they will need. It was developed by a consortium of the Chartered Institute of Building (
www.ciob.org.uk), CITB-ConstructionSkills (
www.citb-constructionskills.co.uk), employers and universities.
Together with appropriate experience and completion of the Professional Review this route can lead to full membership of the CIOB. In undertaking the Graduate Diploma Programme, graduates also need to complete either a level 4 NVQ or the CIOB professional development programme (PDP). Employers will decide which of these two is most relevant and at what point graduates should make a start.
To register on the graduate diploma programme, a candidate must have already gained an honours degree and a job within the industry.
Health and Safety professional
Health and safety professionals play a vital role in protecting employees in the workplace. They use their expert knowledge and experience to control risks at work and ensure that organisations meet current safety standards. Their work typically involves helping to plan and implement new policies and procedures to raise or maintain safety standards, monitoring and reviewing those policies and procedures to ensure their effectiveness, and implementing new protective and preventative measures as required by law or by the organisation they work for.
Health and safety professionals may work as part of an in-house team, as an independent consultant or for a larger consulting organisation. The role typically involves preparing health and safety strategies and developing policies; carrying out risk assessments; liaising with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with mandatory regulations; investigating accidents on sites and producing subsequent reports and recommendations; and carrying out site inspections to check policies and procedures are being properly implemented.
Essential skills for any health and safety role are attention to detail, patience and diplomacy, and the ability to understand industrial processes and analyse complex data. An investigative mind and an interest in the law are also required. In the past H&S professionals would have built a background in other disciplines, such as science or technology, but today it is possible to take any number of accredited degrees and diplomas to enter the profession.
Professional experience and qualifications influence salary levels, so that those with less than five years' experience in the profession can expect to earn in the region of £26,000, while for those at a more senior level the average salary is £34,000. For more information on health and safety careers, visit The Institution of Occupational Health and Safety (
www.iosh.co.uk).
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers in the construction sector are responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of a wide range of mechanical machinery, systems and components. These can vary from small scale applications to involvement in large infrastructure projects such as railways or wind and tidal power generation schemes.
Mechanical engineers are normally involved in: feasibility studies for new developments; design and computer modelling; and planning and supervising the manufacture and installation of machinery and components. They should have excellent communication skills, be able to work as part of a team and have a good analytical and technical approach to problem solving. Commercial awareness is also an advantage.
In return, graduate salaries start between £19,500 and £22,000. Experienced mechanical engineers earn between £26,000 and £37,000, while engineers with chartered status can earn in excess of £40,000 a year.
Entry to the role is usually with a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering subject. A level passes should include maths and physics. Equivalent qualifications such as vocational A levels may be acceptable.
Training is normally on the job and graduate apprenticeship schemes are available for those holding a first degree.
For information about mechanical engineering as a career, see the websites for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (
www.imeche.org.uk), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (
www.theiet.org) and Women into Science and Engineering (
www.wisecampaign.org.uk).
Fully qualified professional engineers usually hold incorporated or chartered status. This requires registering with a relevant professional engineering institution and applying for incorporated or chartered status with The Engineering Council (
www.engc.org.uk).
Other Roles
Construction is one of the UK's best performing market sectors. In addition, it is the UK's biggest single export, contributing £1 billion per year. It employs nearly two million people and needs to attract an estimated 75,000 new entrants each year. Consequently, the industry offers talented individuals from all backgrounds rewarding, long-term career prospects at all levels.
Away from the building and construction-specific roles, there are a host of support functions without which no major organisation can operate. These range from HR to finance and IT to sales and marketing. There is a continuous demand for people with the right skills from trainees to senior management.
In all cases, candidates need a certain familiarity with the operations of the organisation and the functioning of the construction industry, although training is often provided. For such roles, the required levels of qualification and experience will be on a level with similar roles in other sectors. So too will pay and benefits.
More detailed knowledge of processes and technologies are needed in roles such as technical sales or IT relating to computer aided design (CAD) systems, for example. Specialist professional qualifications may also be needed. Extensive industry experience is an absolute requirement for many senior positions.
Planner
The planner's job is to make sure resources are available for a project to progress smoothly. This means ensuring orders are placed in the correct quantities and are delivered safely and on time.
Planners work with construction managers and organise the sequence and timing of construction activities to ensure projects are completed to deadline and within budget. Once construction starts, plans may be updated and modified to ensure the project stays on track.
There are no specific academic entry requirements to train as a planner, although GCSE passes in science, maths and technology will be useful for measurements and estimations. It is helpful to be trained in an aspect of construction or building, to ensure an understanding of methods and processes and how they fit together.
There are apprenticeship schemes available, and employers offer work experience to young people hoping to get into the trade. Training is on-site with day release to college to complete theory training. Trainees usually begin as assistant technicians and progress on to supervisory roles.
Assistant planners can expect to earn about £18,000, while a senior planner can expect to earn over £35,000.
Project Manager
This is a varied and satisfying job. It often begins at the design stage of a major construction project and runs right through to its completion. In general, it's the project manager's responsibility to ensure that the works run smoothly and are completed on time and to budget. Project managers are in charge of the overall planning, management, co-ordination and financial control of a project and while this can seem like a daunting job, it can also be very rewarding.
At the start of a project, they will have regular meetings with the client and members of the design team to flesh out exactly what needs to be done. They will also need to work with quantity surveyors and, during construction, liaise with contractors' representatives.
Depending on the sector of the construction industry being discussed, candidates will need to hold a degree in a subject such as civil engineering, building studies or building management. The entry requirements for a degree programme vary greatly depending on the university and course, and need to be checked out.
It may be possible to gain sponsorship from a potential employer during training, which will almost guarantee a job at the end of it.
It is also possible to take a job in a firm as a trainee technician and then, after some training, move on to a degree course. To gain a technician's place, you may need the appropriate BTEC or national vocational qualification. Employers have their own training programmes, which sometimes combine their assessments with those of the industry's professional bodies.
Project managers are experienced construction professionals, and as such, can expect to earn at least £31,000. Those in more senior roles can expect salaries far in excess of this figure.
Quantity Surveyor
Once a building project starts it's important that it does not run over the agreed budget. It's the quantity surveyor's job to make sure of this, by managing cost efficiently to deliver the best value for money.
They study plans drawn up by an architect or engineer and calculate the types and quantities of materials and the costs of time and labour which are needed for a project. These are itemised into a 'bill of quantities' which building contractors use as a basis for estimating costs. It is also their job to negotiate with the client's representative on payments and the final settlement. There is extensive use of computers for calculations, record keeping, preparing work schedules and report writing.
There are approximately 21,500 people employed in quantity surveying in the UK, with many working for large construction companies. They deal with other professionals within their company as well as representatives from sub-contractors and the quantity surveyors working for clients.
There are no specific requirements to begin training as a quantity surveyor, although most entrants have A Levels / Higher Grades. Qualification can be achieved via the Chartered Institute of Building (
www.ciob.org.uk) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (
www.rics.org). To join the CIOB you will need to hold an honours degree plus have 2 years relevant experience or pass the CIOB examination.
There are four ways to qualify as a surveyor and achieve a RICS certificate, and these involve options to study full time to achieve a degree or post-graduate award, or studying part time while in relevant work.
Graduate quantity surveyors can expect to earn around £14,000, while with experience, an income in the region of £35,000 is common.
Site Engineer
At the start of all projects to construct roads, drains, bridges and structures around the world, a skilled person is needed to translate the information contained in plans and drawings into physical reality on the ground. It is the role of the Site Engineer to set out all the necessary levels at the start of a project and to monitor progress and accuracy during the ongoing construction process.
There are roughly 38,700 technical people, including site engineers, employed in the construction industry. Most work for a contractor or a specialist sub-contractor. They work alongside construction managers, supervisors, planners, quantity surveyors and the general workforce. They also liaise with the client's representatives, such as architects, engineers and surveyors, so good communication skills are a must.
Candidates need to have a degree, diploma or HND/HNC to train as a site engineer, particularly in building and construction, or civil and structural engineering. Previous experience in the profession is not necessary, but will prove helpful. Employers will be happy to offer young people hoping to enter the industry on-site experience, and there are apprenticeships available.
Entering the industry as a trainee technician is a good place to start ? with opportunities to progress to supervisory roles with experience. Training will be given on-site, and sometimes employers will issue day release to college.
A fully qualified site engineer can earn an average salary of £30,000. As with most jobs, salaries are higher in London. Self-employed professionals can also earn more.
There are also opportunities to work all over the country on a variety of sites, or to work overseas, and eventually to become overall site manager with progression through the industry.
Site Manager
Site managers are responsible for delivering projects on time and within budget ensuring the construction site runs smoothly, no matter what difficulties and issues arise. They have an essential role to play in delivering the client's requirements through the construction process and must be excellent communicators, well organised and good team leaders.
Day-to-day they are involved with site management, sub contractors, management and client meetings. As health and safety is vital in this environment, many employers insist that candidates hold a valid first aid certificate and often a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card is also specified.
Site managers must have a strong construction or building background and must be able to use their own initiative. They must be excellent problem solvers and have an understanding of contractual, legal and commercial procedures and techniques. Candidates may be degree qualified or come from a trade background ? what counts most is relevant experience.
In return, site managers can earn £35-£45,000, depending upon experience, with car and comprehensive benefits packages often included.
Skilled Trades
The construction industry is a huge employer of skilled tradesmen across a wide spectrum of specialities from plumbers and carpenters to bricklayers, electricians and decorators, to name but a few. These occupations are ideal for people who like the idea of working in the sector but are more practical than academically minded.
The role of a skilled tradesman is highly varied and ranges from working on new buildings to the maintenance of existing ones. On larger jobs, they work in a team, and, depending on the type of work, sometimes deal directly with clients. There's also the chance to work alongside other occupations.
While many individuals work full time for main contractors or specialist firms, many are self-employed, subcontracting their labour on a project-by-project basis. In either case there has been a steady tightening of legislation governing the levels of competence required from subcontractors and most now need recognised qualifications before they can set foot on site.
New entrants to the industry tend to train on the job, through an apprenticeship. To enter the industry in a craft occupation, a good basic education is needed. Craft trainees develop skills using their hands and specialist equipment whilst learning about construction materials and production methods. They will also have the chance to gain qualifications that can take them into technical, supervisory or management occupations.
There are no set entry requirements to train as skilled tradesman, although GCSE passes in maths, English and technology will be helpful for the calculations, measurements and theory. Each trade may require study for professional qualifications. There are full and part-time trade courses available at colleges where individuals work towards NVQs levels 2 and 3.
For more information, contact the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) (
www.citb.org.uk) or Summitskills (
www.summitskills.org.uk), the sector skills council for electrotechnics, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and plumbing industries.
Structural Engineer
If you've ever wondered how a bridge stays standing in a force ten gale, or why a dam holds back millions of tonnes of water, then structural engineering could be the career for you.
A structural engineer makes sure buildings and structures are designed to perform to the standard required and that the materials used are robust enough to last their planned lifetime while withstanding the forces of nature. In the UK this might not seem very radical, but in areas prone to earthquakes, for example, it can make the difference between life and death.
However, structural engineers don't just work with new structures, they are also often called upon to make old or damaged buildings and infrastructure safe and secure.
A degree, BTEC or HND in structural engineering is required to train as a structural engineer. Post graduation, there are several stages of training. Candidates must first complete a period of initial professional development, then pass a professional review, finally gaining membership of a professional body such as the Institution of Structural Engineers (
www.istructe.org.uk) or Institution of Engineering and Technology (
www.theiet.org.uk).
Graduates can expect to earn about £16,000, a senior engineer with five years' experience around £27,000, while an associate can expect £34,000. As usual, salaries in London are higher. Some structural engineers go on to set up their own practices, and can earn more. Structural engineers are in high demand, and it's likely you'd get the opportunity to work abroad.
