Why Should You Join The Construction Industry?

We’ve written recently about skill gaps and shortages in the construction sector and it’s definitely a good thing that more initiatives are opening up to address these. We wanted to put our own thoughts down on why joining or training further within the Construction sector is an exciting opportunity.

No limit on opportunities

Many trades within Construction offer training right up to management level, so the opportunities to climb the career ladder are there should this be something an operative may wish to pursue.

Popular examples include:

·        CITB SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) - this training scheme assists managers/potential managers in ensuring they can conduct their job role correctly and effectively. The CITB SSSTS (Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme) also exists for Supervisor roles, upon which a qualified Supervisor can then work towards their SMSTS qualification.

·        NEBOSH Diploma courses – health and safety courses applicable for construction as well as other sectors. The Diploma qualification is for those who want to reach the highest level in their health and safety training. Certificate courses also exist as a starting place for managers and supervisors to cement their career in this area before moving to the Diploma.

·        CPCS Blue Card Level 2 NVQ in Plant Operations – aimed at those who hold an existing CPCS Red Trained Operator card, the Blue Card marks the individual as a Competent Operator.

·        The CSCS Black Manager’s card or the CSCS Gold Supervisor card are the next steps on the ladder within the plant training area, as these allow the individual to move into supervisory and management roles.

·        NRSWA (New Roads and Street Works Act) Supervisor training courses are specific for those working on the roads, streets and highways. This course allows for the Operative to move into a Supervisory role.

Lifelong career

Gaining the skills and knowledge to work within at least one construction trade if not more can mean that an individual has the assurance of a lifelong career. Skilled trades are essential in all areas of this sector, and whilst there will always be periods in time that construction sees a slump, there will never be a time when it stops completely.

In addition, working within construction allows for opportunities to work within a team and collaborate effectively. These are also great skills to learn and develop, making your experience and knowledge even more desirable for future employers.

Transferable skills

Talking about skillsets, the majority of construction workers learn skills that can be transferred to other areas if needed. For example, a worker who takes and successfully completes NEBOSH health and safety training (for example) will then have this skill to use across different areas of construction.

Salary

Workers who train and develop their careers will move up the pay scale; this applies in any sector of work, but in construction can mean that highly skilled workers are paid up to 15% on average more than the average full time salary in the UK (source: ONS data). Examples of highly skilled workers in this bracket include Construction Site Managers, Commercial Managers and Design Managers.

What is key here though that any individual who wants to work towards a highly skilled and desirable job role does understand the need for proper training, both in their chosen job role and also the wider aspects of the sector such as environmental practices and health and safety.

Resources

·        Addressing the Skill Shortage in Construction

·        What are Skill Gaps?

·        Open Doors Week