Whether you’re searching for the start of a new career or a job change within the construction industry, there are plenty of pathways you can venture down. The construction sector is one of the largest in the UK economy, employing 3.1 million people or over 9% of the workforce. Within this blog, we are going to cover some of the routes you can progress down.
Joiner
Typically, a joiner is responsible for the design, creation, and installation of wooden components. This can include but is not limited to, doors, stairways, window frames, or other larger pieces of furniture e.g. cabinets.Roles under the job title of a joiner involve, learning different types of wood, site surveys, quality checks, cutting wood by machine or hand, understanding technical drawings, producing cutting lists, and using a vast range of traditional tools. To grow your career as a joiner, there are requirements such as relevant experience of qualifications, math skills, creative design work, ability to work as a team, and attention to detail.
Currently, the market size, measured by revenue, of the joinery installation industry was £13.2bn in 2022, which was an increase of 10.2% from the previous year.
Quantity Surveyor
As a Quantity Surveyor, the responsibilities of the role are estimating costs, material quantities, and project timelines. During the process or the project, quantity surveyors ensure the teams are working on track in accordance with their timelines. Prior to the project beginning, quantity surveyors have the role of studying drawings and specifications, enabling them to calculate the required quantity of materials for the build. This will then allow them to estimate a rough cost.
Quantity surveying is an increasing job role with approximately 61,800 quantity surveyors estimated to be working in the United Kingdom as of the first quarter of 2023, compared with 59,600 in the previous quarter.
Plumber
A plumber is a skilled tradesperson who specialises in installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems, which include pipes, fixtures, and appliances that transport water, gas, or sewage in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The job role of a plumber encompasses a variety of tasks and responsibilities, including installation, repair and maintenance, inspection, emergency services, pipefitting, fixture and appliance installation, compliance and customer services, tools and equipment, and problem-solving.
To find out the qualifications and more information on the roles of a plumber, there are multiple resources online.
Project Manager
A project manager plays a pivotal role in planning, executing, and overseeing projects within an organisation. The specific responsibilities and job role of a project manager can vary depending on the industry, company, and the nature of the project. However, there are some key aspects of a project manager's job role: project planning, stakeholder management,team management, risk management, schedule management, quality assurance, communication, budget management, and documentation. A project manager is responsible for guiding a project from beginning to completion while ensuring that it meets its objectives, stays within budget, and satisfies stakeholder expectations. Effective project management is critical to the success of organisations across various industries.
Electrician
An electrician is a skilled tradesperson who specialises in working with electrical systems, wiring, and electrical equipment. The job role of an electrician includes a wide range of tasks such as installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of electrical systems. Key responsibilities of an electrician also involve but are not limited to installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, safety compliance, renovations, and licensing.
Electricians play a critical role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of electrical systems, their work is essential for powering homes, businesses, and industries, and it requires a deep understanding of electrical principles and safety practices.
There were estimated to be approximately 44,600 electrical engineers working in the United Kingdom as of the first quarter of 2023, compared with 39,500 in the previous quarter.
Plasterer
A plasterer specialises in the application of plaster, or other similar materials to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces in buildings. The primary job role of a plasterer involves preparing surfaces, applying plaster or related materials, and achieving a smooth and finished appearance. Some responsibilities of being a plasterer include but are not limited to surface preparation, mixing materials, plaster application, texturing, repair and restoration, mouldings and ornamental work, lathing, finishing, safety, and customer interaction.
Plasterers are crucial in the construction and renovation of residential, commercial, and historical buildings. They help create smooth surfaces while also contributing to the structural integrity and durability of a building. Plastering is a specialised trade that requires strong skill and attention to detail to achieve high-quality results.
The Plastering industry in the UK has 15,460 employees currently in the United Kingdom in 2023.
Conclusion
The construction industry is of strong importance as it forms the backbone of modern infrastructure, shaping the way we live and work. It encompasses the creation of homes, commercial buildings, bridges, roads, schools, hospitals, and more, all of which are essential for the functioning of today’s society. The industry not only provides shelter and spaces for various activities but also fosters economic growth by generating employment opportunities and stimulating related sectors such as manufacturing and transportation.
Working in the construction industry can be highly rewarding for several reasons. It offers hands-on work, problem-solving, and creativity, allowing individuals to see tangible results of their efforts. The industry is known for its diverse career opportunities, ranging from skilled trades to management roles, making it accessible to a wide range of skill sets and educational backgrounds.
If you’re searching for a job within the construction industry, we have multiple available vacancies on our website.
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