JobsAndCareers_Winter2021/22 - 79

desired areas - part of a strategy to deliver aff ordable housing
to address the serious shortage in Britain.
Industry employment website GoConstruct says almost a
quarter of a million jobs will be created in the next fi ve years.
Experts say the sector will be actively looking for staff from
other industries with transferable skills - particularly IT skills
as the industry becomes more digitised. It's a sector that off ers
a huge range and variety of roles, so here's how to get started.
Character building
A career in construction can be fl exible and varied. You may
start as a labourer, then go into carpentry or plumbing. You
could even end up running your own business.
Apprenticeships are a common route into construction,
combining off -the-job learning with on-site experience. They
are highly valued by employers and can lead to great success
in an industry where practical experience matters. You need
to be in full-time employment with a construction company to
complete an apprenticeship, so you'll earn as you learn.
Once you're employed in a suitable position, you can study
for national vocational qualifi cations (NVQ) or the Scottish
vocational qualifi cations (SVQ). These will show you have the
skills to do the job in line with national occupational
standards, and are gained while you work.
If you're not in a position to do an NVQ or SVQ, there are
certifi cates, diplomas and other vocational awards available.
You can complete these via assignments, practical tests,
written exams or online tests.
Hone your skills
Understanding how construction sites and projects run is
crucial. Make contact with companies and take every
opportunity you can, whether it's labouring or shadowing a
technician or project manager. This will help you to stand out
in interviews and will also let you fi gure out which areas of
construction you fi nd most interesting.
A formal qualifi cation, even in a relevant subject, may not
be enough in an industry that relies so heavily on practical
knowledge. If you are enrolled on a built environment degree,
for example, work experience is important; if you're studying
for an unrelated degree, it's imperative.
Lay your own career path
With more than two million jobs in the construction industry,
that naturally includes a whole range of jobs open to
graduates. There are industry-relevant degrees you can study
at university - such as construction management - but if you
have a degree that's not directly related it shouldn't be a
barrier to fi nding employment in the industry. You can choose
to take a construction conversion course, for example, and/or
gain work experience.
Some areas of the business won't require you to do this
- construction companies also need people with marketing
or business development degrees, as well as IT and digital
experts. Design and management roles allow graduates to
transfer their skills from any degree to forge a career in
construction. You may also be able to study for higher national
certifi cates (HNCs), higher national diplomas (HNDs) and
degrees full-time at university or part-time while in a
construction-related role.
Here are some of the roles within the construction industry
that are available to graduates.
QUANTITY SURVEYOR
A quantity surveyor's task is to fi gure out what materials
a construction project will need and how much it will
cost. During construction they report on the costs and
needs of the project, and will often be required to monitor
subcontractors, risks, disputes and regulatory issues.
What qualifi cations do I need? You'll need a degree or
professional qualifi cation accredited by the Royal Institution
of Chartered Surveyors. You can study quantity surveying to
degree level or convert a diff erent degree as a postgraduate,
and you can start as a trainee surveyor while studying.
" There are degrees you can
study, such as construction
management; if you have a
degree that's not related,
you can take a construction
conversion course "
How much can I earn? You'll typically start on a
salary of between £18,000 and £25,000. Fully qualifi ed,
experienced surveyors can earn up to £80,000.
SITE SUPERVISOR
A supervisor oversees all kinds of projects, organising work
schedules, ordering materials, assisting project managers
and ensuring working conditions are safe.
What qualifi cations do I need? Alongside qualifi cations
in construction or civil engineering, you'll also need a
Construction Skills Certifi cation Scheme (CSCS) card.
Experience is useful, health and safety training is essential,
and the old CV staple of a full driving licence is usually
required so you can travel easily between sites.
How much can I earn? Salaries start around £28,000, rising
to £40,000 or more depending on experience and project.
jobsandcareersmag.com /// JOBS & CAREERS /// 79
http://www.jobsandcareersmag.com
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