Why Should You Pursue a Career in Construction?
Construction is a large sector that covers a wide variety of construction and civil engineering vocations. Because it is responsible for building the infrastructure for cities, communities, and countries, this industry is one of the largest in the world. Because of the industry’s breadth, there are many different types of construction jobs, each with its own set of talents and specialities. But, why really should you consider a construction job? Here are some reasons to choose a career in construction industry.
1. Reasons why you should take a career in construction
1.1. Career stability and progression
Despite the workforce shortage, construction demand is increasing globally. More development will be required in the future to meet the world’s housing needs and to future-proof our cities and infrastructure. Simply put, there is a growing demand for construction workers, thus having a career in construction can provide you with a long-term job without forcing you to shift occupations at an inconvenient time.
Many industries are concerned about the impact of rising automation on employment these days. In the construction industry, new technologies are actually producing more jobs since more sophisticated machines require more humans to operate them.
Construction provides excellent opportunities for advancement and development. Starting as an entry-level labourer, you will have the opportunity to master new skills and enhance your career. Those with managerial ambitions will eventually be able to lead their own construction companies.
1.2. Competitive pay
Many millennials are hesitant to work in construction because they believe it entails arduous labour for little pay. Contrary to popular belief, construction wages are increasing. As a whole, workers’ wages are predicted to grow steadily in the coming years.
Construction is a very competitive industry, which means that pay is competitive as well. The majority of technical trainee positions start at £25,000 per year, with more experienced technical personnel earning up to £48,000 per year. In general, trades jobs pay well, with higher-skilled workers earning between £15 and £25 per hour.
If you’re concerned about your wage, construction offers more security than many other industries, as well as the possibility to thrive with or without a four-year degree.
1.3. Diversity of roles and opportunities
Building a house involves a diverse set of skills and crafts. A company that is constructing a new home may hire up to 30 different craftsmen to assist them in completing the project. Many building projects require the services of engineers, roofers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and others. This implies that as you advance in your profession, you will be able to choose which aspects of the process best fit your personal preferences and specialize in that area.
Not only is there a wide range of positions in the construction sector, but there are also numerous locations where you can work. Construction projects can be found all across the country, and you can choose where you want to work. Because many professions demand the same skills and expertise all over the world, a construction career can allow you to travel while earning a living.
1.4. Job satisfaction
Few jobs are as satisfying as those in the construction business, where you can see something you contributed to making with your own hands.
Most people’s jobs require participating in a small part of a process and never seeing the outcomes of their efforts. After a while, jobs like these can be exceedingly unpleasant and discouraging.
Construction work, on the other hand, can be extremely rewarding. One of the most satisfying aspects of working in construction is witnessing your work take shape right before your eyes. When you work on a house, you get to see the physical influence your effort has on the environment. You have contributed to the transformation of a piece of unused land into a place where people can live and raise a family.
1.5. Chance to work in a modern industry
The highly-technical applications and devices is emerging on job sites today and gradually replacing the manual construction tools and processes.
This means that workers will have more opportunities to work with innovative technologies personally. Mobile construction software and document management systems, as well as disruptive technology like robotics and 3D printing, are becoming standard “tools” in the construction industry.
Furthermore, skilled field employees are now running some of the most sophisticated machines on the market, transforming building sites into a future setting rather than a jobsite. The good news is that the usage of technology on job sites will continue to brighten the future. Even if you aren’t interested in a long-term career in construction, a good construction job in the near term could give you the skills and competitive edge you need to advance to your ideal profession later.
>> Read more: Construction apprenticeship
2. Top Careers in Construction
2.1. Construction worker
Construction workers are responsible for the majority of the physical labour associated with construction, such as clearing, digging, and building. Manual labour activities include bringing supplies and materials to the construction site, preparing the job site, testing and operating machinery and equipment, measuring and cutting building materials to exact specifications, and using various hand tools and mechanical tools. They also read blueprints to comprehend project specifications and guarantee that all health and safety regulations and procedures are followed on the job site. The average salary of a construction worker is around £25,082 per year.
2.2. Construction manager
Construction managers handle a wide range of tasks, from getting various work permissions to overseeing the entire project. Rather than concentrating on a single area of a project, they’ll be involved in everything from top-level site coordination to specific subcontracting initiatives. Construction managers make an average income of £50-75k. A person with extensive experience in the construction industry is perfect for this position.
>> Read more: Construction Site Manager
2.3. Construction engineer
A construction engineer’s average salary is £44,500 per year. Their primary duties involve overseeing the progress and building of developments from start to finish. Engineers may assist architects in drafting blueprints and plans for construction to guarantee that any structure is structurally sound and usable. They also take into account all aspects of the structure, from the foundations to the plumbing and electrical systems. Construction engineers communicate with third parties and suppliers to ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget.
2.4. Architect
Architects primarily design a building’s structure and appearance to meet the needs of the clients. Architects can work on a variety of projects, ranging from large-scale developments to sculptures and ancient building repair. Architects guarantee that a structure is as attractive as it is practical. To work lawfully, architects normally need a formal university education. The average wage of an architect is often around £41,731 per year.
2.5. Roofer
A roofer is a professional who installs, maintains, and repairs roofs. Roofers may also advise consumers on the optimum roofing style for their home or structure, taking into account weather conditions and usage patterns. A roofer employs extensive industry knowledge to negotiate various materials and roofing procedures in order to give their customer a roof that complements their building’s architecture. A roofer can earn up to £32,168 per year.
2.6. Electrician
Electricians are in charge of installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and wiring in residential and commercial buildings. They also ensure that all electrical systems and wiring are in good working order, as well as locating and repairing the source of any problems with damaged electrical systems. Their median annual income is about £36,593.
2.7. Plumber
Plumbers take responsibility for sewage, drainage and water systems in a home or business. Plumbers install and repair sinks, outdoor and interior pipes, and toilets. They can also clear obstructions and solve problems like leakage. Plumbers can advise and offer the best fixtures for a structure based on its foundation and intended use. On average, they can earn £30,838 per year.
Construction might be regarded as a prospective sector because it offers increasing prospects and incomes, as well as the opportunity to learn significant cross-industry technical skills and be a part of a vibrant and diverse workforce. If you want to begin a career in construction, it is essential to pass a CSCS test to demonstrate that you are completely qualified to work safely on-site. Understand more about health and safety on construction sites by taking this CSCS Practice Test right now.