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Architecture Training

Construction/Building Sector: Overview




There is rapid growth taking place in the construction industry. The majority of these roles will be for architects, business process managers, construction managers and technical/engineering staff.

There are three major types of construction (building, heavy/highway and industrial), each requiring a team to plan, design, construct and maintain the projects.

The industry is trying to change its image and introduce a more diverse workforce. Unfortunately at present there has been little change in the number of women employed in construction. Currently 11% of construction jobs are undertaken by women.

Due to high demand, there is a great need for more skilled workers in building services engineering, transportation, ground engineering and contaminated land specialist positions.

The skills required are:

  • Planning – in advance and on your own initiative
  • Organising – time management. Identifying a logical order for daily and uncontrollable tasks
  • Design
  • Leadership

Expected Salary

Salaries can vary but expected income is:

  • £23,000 Starting salary
  • Up to £50,000 Self employed

Training

Builders usually train on the job. Most well paid jobs will require at least 1 years experience rather than qualifications – these qualifications are usually more desirable than essential. Other useful attributes include:

  • Motivation and enthusiasm
  • People skills
  • Organisation/planning
  • Teamwork
  • Reliable and honest

It is essential to keep up with new developments in the building sector.

Underoak lists many short courses to aid you in your career progression. These may be funded individually or through your company (please check the prices with the trainer, as sometimes they often offer a lower price for self funded training). To search these courses, simply type the relevant key words and click on ‘request information for free’ to send your enquiry direct to the trainer.

Click here for Construction/Building courses

Related Careers

There are many opportunities to develop your career in construction and building. Often people change their careers after 2 years of experience, and set up their own businesses, as this sector builds initiative and independence.

This is a particularly competitive sector, skills are always in high demand, and may allow you to work in a more desirable area of employment.

Further career options:

  • Architect
  • Civil and structural engineer
  • Construction and building services
  • Engineering construction
  • Civil engineer (consulting)
  • Civil engineer (contracting)
  • Quantity surveyor

Useful Links

Building
The Magazine of Chartered Institute of Building
Building Products
Royal Institude of British Architects (RIBA)
The Architecture Foundation

Core Skills

Most employers will expect a sound technical background in a relevant degree (2:2 or equivalent). Some companies will request a minimum of A Levels, and a few smaller companies may still take on some roles purely on experience, depending on its relevance and standard.

Job Sites

HR Humres Construction Recruitment Solutions
Careers in Construction
Just construction.net

Average working hours per week

Variable – Averaging at 35 hours per week.

Working hours often include evenings and weekends. Flexibility is a must.

Job Spotlight

Architect

The Role

Working closely with users, clients and officials to make sure that projected designs match the needs of these groups, architects work in the construction industry designing new buildings and the spaces around them.

Architects are involved in the initial stages of a building project, from the selection of a site to completion of the building. They have the privilege of seeing their project ideas turn into reality. They are always close at hand to acknowledge any problems, and advise the contractors.

Tasks may include:

  • Consulting with other professionals about the design
  • Reparing and presenting designs
  • Keeping within financial budgets and deadlines
  • Solving problems that might occur during building
  • Dealing with queries and complaints procedures
  • Producing detailed drawings from which costings are made

Experience:

Through all these activities, architects need an understanding of the complex processes of design and construction to build socially and ecologically sustainable cities and communities.

Career Development

There are many opportunities to develop your career. You may wish to specialise in one industry. Alternatively, you could choose to use your skills to start your own business.

There are some opportunities to move up via internal vacancies.