The Building & Construction Industry
There are few sectors as fast moving and diverse as the Building and Construction Industry. The Gross Value Added (GVA) is almost £90 billion and holds just over 6.5% of the UK economy.
Although its value and share of the UK economy has fallen in 2008/9/10 it did recover in 2011 and recent estimates show it employs just over 2 million in workforce jobs. As with all industries there are peaks and booms which can be seen in figures of employment in 2007 through 2009 with over 2.3 million workforce jobs. Even with the recession it has steadily maintained figures of over 2 million and now shows encouraging signs of a recovery.
The construction industry is a major source of employment and it provides a wide range of career opportunities. Some of which include
- Architects
- Building and Quantity surveyors
- Building, Structural and Civil Engineers
- Planning and Management Roles.
- Career opportunities exist in the design and management of construction works
There are also numerous roles for those with more practical skills. They are required in erecting the work on site and are often referred to as ‘Tradeskills’ and include
- Bricklaying
- Ground works
- Plastering
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Carpentry & Joinery
- Gas Installation
and many other skilled roles…
The construction industry is defined in accordance with the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and includes general construction and demolition work, civil engineering, new construction work, and repair and maintenance.
As with all industries there are numerous governing bodies, councils and associations within each sector of Building and Construction. They are there to enforce the safe practice and high standard of work required, and ensure that those working have the correct level of qualifications.
All businesses will need their employees to fulfil these requirements to ensure safety, high quality work, profitability and deadlines being met.
Having served in the armed forces many of your skills will already be utilised in your day to day roles. Although this may not immediately seem obvious they can be easily transferred within civilian life, this can be seen whether you are unskilled, have specific skill sets or of a management level. Qualifications such as City and Guilds and NVQs can be obtained in a relatively short periods of time, most training providers will accommodate your specific needs whether you are looking to learn a few handy hints for the home, or to obtain full and recognised qualifications to gain employment. When deciding on an Industry you would like to work in here are a few key points to consider
- Do you have or can you obtain the required skills to fulfil this role?
Being realistic with what you can achieve will avoid disappointment and ensure that you are not aiming for something unachievable
- What employment opportunities are available now and what are they likely to be in the future?
Research the Industry. Look at employment figures over the past 10 years as well as government schemes and initiatives to see what the future may entail. Look on Job boards and employment pages to see if there is a short fall for staff in your chosen role.
- What level of pay scale do you require?
Although this may seem obvious you may be starting at the bottom of the ladder, look for typical pay across different areas of the UK to give you a general idea of what is achievable
- What prospects for advancement are available if any?
Some roles may stay at the same level with no further advancement possible. This can limit your earning potential as well as leave you limited in the areas you can work in.
- Job satisfaction is essential as you will be spending around 40 hours per week working. Look for a role that will keep you challenged and motivated and give you a feeling of worth…
Although job satisfaction is a requirement for some, it may be hard to find something that suits your skills, gives sustainable employment, meets your pay requirements and gives further development