Building for the future
DO YOU want a job that offers satisfaction, results you can actually see and has plenty of opportunities? A career in construction could tick all the boxes.
It’s one of the biggest sectors in the UK and is suitable for anyone from school leavers to those seeking a new challenge.
Whether you work as a joiner, welder, plumber, roofer or general labourer, there will always be jobs in construction in order to cope with the never-ending demand for change.
Working in the construction industry can provide you with enormous job satisfaction
THE LOWDOWN
A job in construction means you could be based on a building site, by the roadside or at a demolition site.
Projects could range from building houses, schools and hospitals to train stations and motorways.
It’s a career where you see the results as you play a big part in shaping the world we live in – so it comes with loads of job satisfaction.
It’s not a dull nine-to-five office job so it’s unlikely you’ll ever be bored working in construction.
Whether you’re a bricklayer, roofer or joiner, you’ll learn new skills and will be a valuable member of a team.
It’s perfect for those who like to get their hands dirty and be active, so you’ll need to be physically fit to carry out the work.
But, contrary to popular belief, it’s not just a job for the boys – many women are excelling in careers in construction, too.
You’ll mostly work outdoors, so you’ll have to be prepared to work in all weather conditions, which could be a challenge during a tough Scottish winter. On the flip-side, think of all the gorgeous weather we’re enjoying right now and how nice it must be to work in the sunshine, rather than be stuck in a stuffy, overheated office all day.
THE PAY
How much you take home each month will depend on what type of role you perform, the rates paid by your employer and how much experience you have.
Often in this line of work, there will be the potential to increase your earnings through overtime.
Those who progress to senior positions, such as construction managers and project managers, could earn in excess of £40,000 per year.
THE TRAINING
There are no formal academic qualifications required to work in construction and there are several routes into the industry.
An apprenticeship is a way to earn a wage, gain on-the-job experience and work towards an industry-recognised qualification.
Traineeships, work placements, graduate programmes and further education courses will also help you to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
Qualifications available at colleges in Scotland include NPA Construction: Carpentry and Joinery, HNC Construction Engineering and HNC Construction Management.
THE CONTACTS
Construction Industry Training Board, www.citb.co.uk
Go Construct, www.goconstruct.org
Skills Development Scotland, www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk