Thinking of changing your career to the construction field?
There are many reasons why someone might consider a change in career. Perhaps you’re unhappy with your current routine, or you just fancy doing something different. If you’re thinking about moving into the construction field, where should you start?
What careers are there within the construction industry?
The construction industry is made up of more than what you’ll see on a building site. In fact, there are many career choices that might interest you. From designing, to planning, to building. If you find a great sense of accomplishment within helping to build things, construction might be the right career path for you! But which area could you specialise in? Here are some construction jobs which might interest you:
- Working in a construction trade or craft. This is generally what people think of when they think of the construction industry. This could include jobs such as:
- Bricklaying
- Stonemasonry
- Carpentry
- Joinery
- Welding
- Demolition
- Electrical work
- Gas engineering
- Renewable energy engineering
Painting and decorating
- Plumbing
- Scaffolding
- Steeplejacking
- Wall and floor work
- Architect/architectural technologist. This might be for you if you enjoy the design stage of a project. Architects will design buildings, while architectural technologists will make sure that the technical aspects of the design are correct.
- Building services engineer. These engineers will ensure the functionality of the building – this involves assessing features such as lighting, power, ventilation, heating, cooling and water systems. They’re sometimes referred to as mechanical and/or electrical engineers.
- Building surveyor. This career involves assessing buildings and reporting on their condition (e.g. any damages and what repairs would cost).
- Civil, structural or geotechnical engineer. This job role is vital in ensuring that a building will function in practice, not just on paper. They will make sure that the building’s inner framework and foundations will hold safely and securely.
- Landscape architect. If you’re looking to improve the public environment by designing open spaces, becoming a landscape architect is the right option for you!
- Quantity surveyor. These individuals will assess the construction project and help make a profit. This involves working out how much a building will cost to construct.
- Site manager. Site managers will ensure that every operation on a building site is running smoothly. This includes making sure that the building is completed on time, within budget and to the highest possible standard.
What qualifications might you need for your new career?
It is important to note that many of the careers listed above will require some form of degree, some of which can take 5 or more years to complete. If you’re looking to work within any of the architectural stages of construction, it is worth looking into university courses. However, if you’re looking to work within the trade aspect of construction, there are many short courses and training programs that can help kickstart your career.
It is likely that you will need to achieve a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in order to be qualified to work within the construction industry. Here at The Trades College, we can help find you the perfect course within plumbing, electrical work, renewable energy engineering, welding, and gas engineering. Our courses allow you to gain skills, knowledge and experience working within your chosen trade – giving you the right qualifications to kickstart your career.
Can you continue working while you train for your new career in construction?
Need to continue working while studying for your new career? Not to worry! We make sure your course will fit around your current circumstances. You’re free to complete your course at your own pace, alongside any job you currently have.
There’s no better time to start your career in the construction industry – there is a huge skill gap to fill, with trades careers being highly in demand. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help you kickstart your new career!
