Everything you need to know before starting a career in construction

Construction can be a popular and surprisingly varied career path but it is also not a sector you should consider entering into lightly. There are hundreds of potential career paths within the construction sector and many different roles to pursue. But regardless of the path you choose, there are several underlying considerations to make.

Roles

Perhaps the most immediately attractive aspect of the construction sector is the number of entry-level roles it offers. It’s quite possible for somebody just out of school to start as a bricklayer or general labourer and then train on the job to become a site maintenance assistant and eventually a construction manager. There is no one clear path for construction career progression – there are as many it would be impossible to mention them all here. So, whether you’re a more technical person or prefer to get your hands dirty, there is a role for you.

Payment

While construction might have traditionally been seen as something of a blue-collar industry, salaries today are incredibly competitive. There is also a great shortage of skilled labourers in the UK right now, which means businesses are willing to may more competitive salaries to encourage the best workers.

Health and safety

One of the main drawbacks of working in construction is the simple fact that you could be working on a potentially dangerous job site. There are more workplace accidents that take place in construction than perhaps any other industry due to the very nature of the sector. That’s why it is always important to keep health and safety as a paramount concern and have the number of a good personal injury lawyers or solicitors on hand.

Demand

As one of the largest industrial sectors in the world, if you work in construction you will rarely be out of a job as long as you’re willing to work. Whether you’re looking for a contract role or a permanent placement there is always going to be a project happening somewhere.

Apprenticeships

The UK has set the gold standard when it comes to construction apprenticeships. These are schemes that give students the literal skills they need to succeed and can be a pragmatic and affordable alternative to university for those that might not like to entertain the idea of spending 3 more years in the educational hamster wheel.

A job for life

People are drawn to the construction industry for thousands of reasons. It’s a job that allows you to see actual progress and travel potentially around the world. It’s also a job that will see you working with people from all backgrounds and making friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s hard work a lot of the time and not every project is going to be equally as rewarding but it’s a secure and dynamic potential career that will always present you with a fresh challenge.