CareerRetrainingCourses.co.uk

Construction Opportunities (Health & Safety Training Courses)

In the current global economy, construction remains one of the stalwarts of the market. Careers within construction can be very diverse. Some involve design, engineering and architecture, others actual building skills. With so many inter-related roles and disciplines, training and qualifications vary enormously.

In the construction industry there are three levels to consider. First there are unskilled and semi skilled workers who have very little certification and represent the bulk of the on-site workforce. 'Skilled labour' often relates to the On-Site managers or Foremen who have extensive knowledge and experience of their profession. Lastly, there are the more senior technical structures and management roles. Individuals in this category will have trained and qualified at a more advanced level, and will take on greater responsibilities.

You can return to this section later and refer to the various sites and links to training companies by bookmarking this page.

Training in Construction in the UK

Within the UK, the skilled occupations require Further Education qualifications - often in a vocational subject. These skills can either be gained through working apprenticeships or via one of the dedicated colleges. In the United Kingdom during 2007, there were over 8,000 training positions started in construction alone. By 2009 over 600,000 workers were involved in the construction industry with 10,000 more people going through training than two years previously.

Overall work ranges from building construction, through heavy or civil construction to industrial construction. They all focus on different areas of the market.

Building construction is the first part of the review. Essentially this is where extensions are built onto existing houses. A large number of these projects are comparatively small and are completed in under a month. Secondly, organisations that gain profit out of medium sized projects fall into the heavy or civil construction sector. Industrial Construction is a relatively small part of the entire construction industry, but it is a key part of it. The owners of these large-scale projects are usually vast for-profit, industrial corporations.

Going up the chain from building through to industrial construction, an ever wider variety of skill-sets are needed to complete each project. Householders sometimes spend several thousand on an extension, but conglomerates can spend hundreds of millions on a really major project. Professional careers in the construction industry include the following:

Civil Engineering

Not only do civil engineers need degrees but they also generally need them in quite specific subjects. Equally important is the Chartered Engineer qualification earned through the Institute of Civil Engineers. New university graduates are usually expected to hold a Master's Degree to become Chartered. Bachelor of Engineering degrees are generally a prerequisite to reaching the Incorporated Engineer level.

Building Services Engineers

Building Services Engineers can equally be listed as 'M&E' Engineers. A Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree is normally held by most applicants to this post. Those looking for accredited status as a competent and professional building services engineer should consider membership of the CIBSE.

Project Managers

Many project managers come into the role through other engineering disciplines. With experience and on-going training in (e.g. in PMBOK or PRINCE 2) they can progress to very senior roles.

Quantity Surveyors

To become a surveyor, you must first qualify in an appropriate QS degree. For professional Chartered status, you should refer to www.rics.org - 'the world's leading professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property and construction'.

Structural Engineers

Professional structural engineers make a significant contribution to the design of a built environment. As structures have to remain safe and serviceable for many years, the designs, materials and calculations all have to be expertly worked through.

Architect

Becoming an architect generally requires a minimum 4 year Degree in Architecture with practical work experience and further training as well. An architect is responsible for designing new buildings and the surrounding spaces. They have to work closely with their clients, fellow professionals, officials and users to ensure their work complies with everyone's needs.