Jobs and Careers Spring 2019 - 267

SPRING 2019

Myth #5
Construction isn't for those
who did well in school
Not true at all. You can join a
graduate development programme
or get sponsored while studying
for a degree so you can earn while
you learn! Apprenticeships are one
of the most common ways to start
a career in construction, and the
potential career progression within
the construction industry is limitless.

Myth #6
Construction sites disrupt
the local community

In fact, construction projects
make a positive contribution to
communities and many companies
employ staff to address the concerns
of the public. Under the Considerate
Constructors Scheme, companies have
a commitment to residents, allowing
them to visit the site or renovating a
local community garden for example.

Myth #7
Construction is an
old-fashioned industry

Modern construction uses some of the
latest technologies such as building
information modelling, computer
aided design and nanotechnology.
Companies are also discovering the
benefits of virtual reality and drones.
While heritage skills have a place in
the industry, even historic buildings
are expected to meet new low-carbon
and waste-reduction targets.

For more information

Visit www.goconstruct.org

Ellie Reed

LIFT MODERNISATION APPRENTICE

Ellie works for Otis, the world's largest
lift and escalator company, as part
of its modernisation department
What education route did you take from
secondary school to where you are today?
I did a one-year electrical engineering
apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce. I'm now on a
three-year apprenticeship programme working
in an engineering environment to obtain
accreditation of an NVQ level 3 diploma in lift
maintenance/engineering and a BTEC level
3 diploma. The other qualifications I will get
are three level 2 PEOs in wiring and testing.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I like lift engineering because there are a vast
number of skills and new information to learn
every single day. It's very different from any
other job I've had. No two days are the same
- I never know what's going to happen next.
Do you have any advice for someone
thinking about a career in construction?
This is definitely a worthwhile career and
very promising for the money and skills
that you learn in the long run. There's
a lot of training involved to make sure
you have the skills to work safely on a
construction site, but it's worth doing.
Where do you want your career to take you?
I'm the only woman on site, but the men are
courteous and ask me if I need help with
things. For the industry to change, we need
more women to apply and this is where
it's important to have role models within
construction. Women can do the job just
as well - it's not all heavy lifting, and you
work as a team to make sure everything
gets done. There is plenty of equipment
these days to make the jobs manageable.
http://www.goconstruct.org
Jobs and Careers Spring 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jobs and Careers Spring 2019
