Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 - Inspiring possibilities for school leavers - TARGETcareers
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Inspiring possibilities
for school leavers
Construction,
Engineering
& Property
2016
In partnership with
IN CONSTRUCTION THE SKYLINE IS THE LIMIT Construction lets you play a part in creating iconic projects and infrastructure of the future. You could leave a legacy that doesn’t just change the skyline, it could change the world. Construction is a career like no other. goconstruct.org Industry led, funded by the CITB levy
Welcome
Build the perfect career
elcome to the newest edition of TARGETcareers goconstruct.org acts as a window for the many
W Construction, Engineering & Property – a guide
to help students leaving school or college decide
whether they should go to university or pursue
an apprenticeship or training programme route.
Go Construct, a new industry-led campaign, is proud to
opportunities available in construction – and it’s got lots of
career resources for school leavers and teachers, too.
Whether you are interested in construction, engineering
or property, rest assured that there are a number of ways in
which you can start your career. You can follow an
support this publication, and its companion website academic route or there are many ways to work while you
targetcareers.co.uk, because it showcases the variety of learn. This publication will help you find out more.
construction, engineering and property careers available.
If you decide to pursue a construction career, there will Kind regards,
definitely be a role for you. You can be hands on and train
in a skilled craft; focus on technical designs; oversee the
actual construction; or step into management. You can even
Lorraine Gregory
start your own company. Construction indeed is a career Sector strategy manager – careers, CITB
for everyone, and Go Construct aims to challenge its (Construction Industry Training Board)
outdated image and inspire people to make construction
their career of choice. The Go Construct website
Photograph supplied by The Lowry (@The Lowry)
Join the
workforce, Choosing Making
TAKING YOUR NEXT STEP go to uni a job role applications
or both?
Contents
Image supplied by CITB Image supplied by CITB
Welcome to your future
Your choice of careers .............................. 4
Your choice of career routes .................... 6
Which route?
Quiz: which route is best for you? ............9
Apprenticeships deconstructed ............10
University deconstructed ...................... 12
Training programmes deconstructed .... 14
Which job role?
How to make the right career choice...... 16
How the construction industry works.... 18
The different construction
job roles explained .............................. 21
The engineering industries explained.... 26
Need to know info for all
would-be engineers .............................. 29
The different engineering
job roles explained .............................. 30
The property industry defined .............. 34
The different property job roles
explained .............................................. 35
Get professionally qualified .................. 38
What to do once you’ve seen
a career you like .................................. 40
2| careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016
Career stories from students,
apprentices and trainees
My quantity surveying apprenticeship.. 41
My civil engineering apprenticeship...... 42
My structural engineering degree ........ 42
My site management training
programme .......................................... 43
My property apprenticeship .................. 43
My civil engineering degree .................. 44
My mechanical engineering
apprenticeship .................................... 44
My site management apprenticeship .... 45
My electrical engineering
training programme ............................ 45
Job applications and
interviews
Applications start with your skills ........ 46
Get covered with a covering letter ........ 47
How to write a cracking CV...................... 48
Easy tips for applications ...................... 50
Preparing for the perfect interview........ 52
A–Z of employers and a quick guide
to their opportunities and
recruitment methods .......................... 54
Index of contributors and employers......72
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 3
Welcome to your future
YOUR CHOICE
Construction is...
Saying ‘I helped build that!’ Designing
and building the ‘built’ environment
around us: the tallest skyscrapers, the
state-of-the-art football stadiums, the
most beautiful bridges and so on.
See page 18 for more about construction careers.
Engineering is...
Problem solving. Designing, creating
and fixing many of the items that
make our lives easier – from
smartphones and satellites to cars
and medicines.
See page 26 for more about engineering careers.
Property is...
Increasing the value of land and real
estate. From houses and offices to
farmland and wind farms, property
professionals work to ensure that
land and property make money.
See page 34 for more about property careers.
4| careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016
Welcome to your future
of careers
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 5
Welcome to your future
YOUR CHOICE
Your
options at
16
Finish Key Stage 4
Apprenticeship Stay in education
You can complete an intermediate or advanced You can go to a sixth form or further
apprenticeship. You work four days a week and study for one education college and study:
day. All your training is paid for and you get paid too. A levels.
Intermediate apprenticeships Vocational qualifications,
eg NVQ in engineering.
Entry requirements vary – from no GCSEs to five GCSEs.
The end qualification you receive is equivalent to five
GCSEs or an NVQ level 2.
For jobs such as electricians, bricklayers, mechanics and
plumbers.
Last one to four years.
This can lead to...
Advanced apprenticeships
You finding an entry-level job,
Entry requirements vary – typically five GCSEs A*–D.
eg building surveying technician.
The end qualification you receive is equivalent to two
University – HNC/HND/BEng/
A levels or an NVQ level 3.
MEng/BSc qualification.
For jobs such as bricklayers and maintenance engineers,
civil engineers, aerospace modellers and instrument
fitters.
Last one to four years.
This can lead to...
A job (either with the same employer or a different one).
Another, higher level apprenticeship or qualification
(if an employer supports you).
6| careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016
Welcome to your future
of career routes
Your
options at
18
Finish Key Stage 5
Apprenticeship Alternative University
The traditional apprenticeship option is the higher school leaver You can study a degree
apprenticeship, in which you’ll work four days a qualification full or part
week and study for one. However, a few employers programme time.
are now offering degree (or professional) Some employers offer Entry requirements vary –
apprenticeships. With an apprenticeship, your alternatives to all ask for a number of
training is paid for and you get a salary too. apprenticeships for A level UCAS points, some require
Higher apprenticeships students who don’t want to specific subjects and
study full time at some won’t accept
Entry requirements vary – usually two
university. These are general studies or critical
A levels and five GCSEs.
similar to the new degree thinking A levels.
The end qualification is equivalent to an NVQ
apprenticeships, but are Fees cost up to £9,000 a
level 4 or a foundation degree/HNC/HND.
customised to the employer year. Can be funded by a
For jobs such as designers, construction
rather than having to follow student loan, bursaries
managers and engineers – but you’ll have less
apprenticeship or through an employer.
responsibility than if you’d got a degree.
frameworks. These Courses typically last
Degree/professional apprenticeships employer training schemes three
Recently introduced: only currently available usually involve you or four years + an
through a few employers in certain areas, studying for a degree while optional work experience
including surveying and engineering. working for the employer; year.
Complete a degree and a relevant professional the employer pays all (or
qualification. most) of your fees.
Last six years.
This can lead to...
A graduate scheme or
graduate-level job, which
often includes
This can lead to... This can lead to... management
A job (with your employer or a different one). A job. responsibility.
University (for higher apprentices). Further study.
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 7
Which route?
Which route is best for
What would suit you best: university, apprenticeship or training programme?
Our quiz can help you work it out. Tick the statement you most agree with.
A B A B A B
1 2 3
I enjoy the I am keen to I enjoy learning I enjoy learning I don’t want to I feel able to
learning enter the in the through doing. work full time combine
environment workplace classroom. and have to do full-time work
and am looking straightaway. study on top. with part-time
forward to study.
student life.
A B A B
4 5
I want I want to earn I want to be in a I don’t mind
higher earning some money position to be working my
potential in the straightaway offered way up to
long term, even and I don’t want management management
if I have any student opportunities level.
student debt in debt. virtually
the short term. straightaway.
Mostly As? Mostly Bs?
You might want You might want
to explore... to explore...
University courses Apprenticeships or
and full-time study. training programmes.
See page 12. See pages 10
and 14.
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 9Which route?
Apprenticeships
deconstructed
pprenticeships offer you the
A chance to work towards
qualifications while earning
money in a real job. They are
a tried and trusted way to start your
career, but you need to know what you
needn’t worry if they don’t enjoy their
degree course – the qualification will
make them eligible for a number of
are signing up to. different careers. This isn’t necessarily professional body while on the job.
the case for apprentices.’ These tell clients and employers that
What’s involved? you are trained to ‘industry
Apprenticeships allow you to work in Change is coming standard’. You may start working
an entry-level job while getting trained The types of apprenticeship available towards these on your apprenticeship
up. This training usually involves are being reviewed and likely to be or you may take them afterwards.
working with experienced colleagues replaced over the next few years. As of A graduate may be able to work
for four days a week and studying at a October 2015, there are intermediate, towards a higher qualification than
further education college or designated advanced and higher apprenticeships, an apprentice would, and as such can
training centre on the fifth day. You although a few employers run ‘degree’ gain greater responsibility and,
gain vocational and technical apprenticeships (see page 7). If you usually, higher pay.
qualifications and improve your start on a type of apprenticeship you’ll
functional skills (for example, in maths finish it; you won’t be swapped part- After an apprenticeship
and English). Some employers provide way through. Once you have completed an
additional training, too. ‘We offer apprenticeship, most employers keep
employability courses to help Cashing in you on in a job, but some might be
apprentices acquire the insights to The minimum wage is £3.30 for unable to. If that is the case, you have
develop their careers,’ says Tony apprentices aged 16–18 or those aged a recognised qualification and up to
Ellender, emerging talent manager at 19 or over who are in their first year. four years of work experience to help
Balfour Beatty UK. ‘We also enable After that first year, apprentices aged you find a job with another employer.
our apprentices to complete a Duke of 19 or over are due the minimum wage After your apprenticeship, you could
Edinburgh’s Award.’ for their age – either £5.30 or £6.70.1 progress to a higher level of
Apprenticeships can be found in a However, many employers pay more apprenticeship, a school-leaver
huge number of different areas – from than the minimum wage: see the A–Z training programme or a university
crafts such as stonemasonry to aspects of employers from page 54. course. But you’ll need an employer’s
of project management. Apprentices cooperation to do so: they may want
should be decided on the job they’d Professional qualifications you to perform the job you’ve been
like. As Tony says, ‘An apprenticeship Most professionals in construction, trained in. If you have managerial
is a long process and trains you in a engineering and property take a aspirations, the quickest way to fulfil
particular role. A university student ‘professional qualification’ with a them is to go to university and then
10 | careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016Which route?
The pros and cons
You can earn, learn and work at the same time. You won’t
have any student debt, but you’ll probably start on a lower
salary than a graduate with the company.
Most employers will move you into a job on completion of
your apprenticeship, but that isn’t guaranteed.
You can go on to take higher qualifications after your
apprenticeship, but usually only if an employer will support
you to do so.
join a graduate scheme or find a You might not have as much responsibility as a graduate
training programme that sponsors you would; a newly arrived graduate could be senior to you.
through a degree.
Apprenticeship applications
You can apply for apprenticeships in
three ways. You can:
• apply directly to an employer
offering apprenticeships (see the
Choosing the
A–Z of employers from page 54)
• apply via a further education college
• apply to an apprenticeship training
right apprenticeship
provider who will then place you Tony Ellender, Balfour Beatty UK’s emerging talent manager, suggests
with an employer. Training asking yourself:
providers can be private businesses,
charities or, like the CITB, Can the employer give me the range of work I need in order to
professional bodies. complete my apprenticeship?
The application processes usually Can the employer offer me anything in addition to the
involve filling in a form or sending in a
CV – see pages 46–53 for advice.
apprenticeship? Any extra training or networking?
Deadlines vary: for example, some Is the employer likely to be in business for the duration of my
open for applications in October and apprenticeship?
others in January. What are the career prospects with the employer after the
apprenticeship?
1 Figures correct as of October 2015.
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 11Which route?
University deconstructed
oing to university is a take a ‘placement’ year (where you perhaps investigate apprenticeships or
G popular choice and an
established way for
academically minded people
to accelerate their careers. But, with
tuition fees to consider, you need to
spend a year working for an
employer).
What to expect
Around 25 per cent of your time will
training programmes.
Choosing a course and university
Consider:
• the reputation of the university for
know how to make the most of it. be spent in lectures and tutorials, but the subject
the rest of your time will be spent • whether the course is accredited by
The qualifications explained doing independent study: check out relevant professional bodies
Universities offer undergraduate and unistats.direct.gov.uk for the ratios of • whether tutors/lecturers are involved
postgraduate qualifications that can be specific courses. You’ll be assessed in cutting-edge research or have
studied full time, part time or online. through exams, presentations, worked in industry
Most undergraduate degrees are extended essays and/or research • the range of modules and projects
bachelor degrees, usually taken after projects. You’ll also be encouraged to • the relationships the department and
A levels. On graduating, construction apply for work experience with careers service have with employers
and property students typically employers during the holidays and/or a • facilities, including laboratories,
become bachelors of science (BSc). placement year. computer-aided design programs,
Engineering students can become Construction, engineering and access to journals and case study
either bachelors of engineering (BEng) property courses are more practical materials
or masters in engineering (MEng) – than other degrees, but they are still • other general factors, such as the
this is technically an undergraduate theory based. Engineering students, for social life on offer, whether it’s a
qualification, but is equivalent to a example, learn a lot of maths. If you campus or city university and your
postgraduate masters degree. prefer a more practical approach, gut feeling!
Postgraduate qualifications are
typically taken after bachelor
qualifications.
There are shorter undergraduate
courses that offer recognised, but
The pros and cons
lesser, qualifications: higher national
certificates (HNCs), higher national The median salary of a graduate is £10,500 a year more than
diplomas (HNDs) and foundation a non-graduate.1
degrees. They are offered by further
It can be expensive and you may end up with student debt,
education colleges as well as
universities. You can progress to a but it can be paid for via sponsorship or bursaries.
bachelor course from these courses; A job isn’t guaranteed after university, but you’ll have a
sometimes students take them if they
dedicated careers team to help you find one.
have insufficient UCAS points for a
bachelor course. Joining a graduate scheme can be a quicker way into
management than an apprenticeship.
The courses on offer
There are many undergraduate It may enable you to study for a higher level professional
subjects available – browse courses at qualification while on the job, leading to higher status and
www.ucas.com. You can study either salaries. This isn’t always the case for apprentices.
one subject in depth (single honours)
or study two (joint or combined A degree is a passport into many careers, not just the subject
honours). The vast majority of courses you are studying – great if you change your career plans.
in construction, engineering and
property include the opportunity to
12 | careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016Which route?
Don’t just rely on university
prospectuses and websites to find these
things out: go along to open days and
ask course leaders and students.
Funding university
If you are a UK national, you will pay
a maximum of £9,000 a year for Bursaries and scholarships
tuition fees. You’ll also need to factor There are a number of bursaries and
in living expenses. You can get a loan scholarships available – which you
to cover the costs of tuition and living don’t need to pay back – but you’ll
(maintenance) costs – the student need to search for them. Look at the Qualification Typical length
finance calculator on www.gov.uk tells websites of individual universities and (full time)
you how much you could get. You pay professional institutions (see page 38
back your loan in instalments after for institutions’ websites). HNC One year
graduating and only when you earn
£21,000 or more.2 But there are other After your degree HND Two years
ways to fund your studies. Check out Unless you’ve been sponsored by an Foundation Two years
the following sources. employer, university does not degree
guarantee you a job. You’ll need to
Employer sponsorship apply for graduate-level jobs (graduate BSc, BEng Three years
Many employers will pay for your schemes). If you graduate in July and + optional
studies in return for you working for want to start work in October, you one-year
them during holidays and after should apply in the first term of your
graduating. Some employers will offer final year.
placement
this before you start university; many MEng Four years
more will offer this to second-years 1 According to the Department for Business + optional
who have completed a work placement Innovation & Skills reported in ‘Graduate
Labour Market Statistics April–June Q2 one-year
with them. See the A–Z of employers
starting from page 54 to see who 2015’. placement
2 As of October 2015.
offers sponsorship.
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 13Which route?
Training programmes
deconstructed
ome employers devise their usually open to those with A levels (or • What have past trainees gone on to
S own training programmes for
school leavers that aren’t
bound by the requirements of
an apprenticeship. They usually
involve studying for a degree-level
equivalent). But different employers
have different entry requirements.
Apply directly
To apply for a training programme,
do?
• Which professional qualification will
I be able to take after the scheme?
• What is included in the programme?
Are all my expenses paid for?
qualification while working for a you usually contact the company • What exactly will I need to achieve
company. You’ll normally do a few directly rather than go through an in return?
weeks at university followed by a few agency. Applications typically open in • Will I need to relocate?
weeks on the job. The employer gives the autumn and they tend to involve a
you a salary and pays for the number of stages. For example:
university fees. In return, you’ll fit in • An application form, which might
your university coursework around include questions asking when you
your job and need to achieve a good used certain skills and might ask you
result. Employers aim to keep you on
afterwards, but this isn’t always
to upload a CV
• Online tests (eg numeracy)
The pros and cons
guaranteed. • A telephone interview
You earn money and get a
• An assessment centre including
Keep an eye out group tasks degree with no student debt.
The content and length of the training • A final interview. You study the degree your
programmes on offer vary, so research You can get advice on succeeding at
employer wants you to – you
what’s out there. The employer all of these stages from page 46
overviews starting from page 54 onwards and on targetcareers.co.uk.
don’t choose.
outline some of the opportunities Balancing the demands of a job
available. The training programmes Make the right choice
with university work can be
are called different things by different When comparing opportunities,
employers. For example, Laing find out:
hard – and can have a negative
O’Rourke offers a ‘cadet’ scheme, • What job or jobs will the degree effect on your social life.
while National Grid runs training qualify me for?
programmes. The programmes are • What happens after the scheme?
14 | careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016BUILD YOUR CAREER AT WATES
Find out more and apply at wates.co.uk/earlycareers
Above all, it’s about peopleWhich job role?
How to make the right
The variety of job roles on offer will leave you feeling like
a kid in a sweet shop – you can take your pick.
here are a huge number of jobs You’ve probably already developed on time for the match and for training
T open to you in construction,
engineering and property. Over
the next few pages, we provide
an overview of each industry and
outline the main roles within them.
some of the required skills through
school or college work, extracurricular
activities or part-time jobs. If you need
to develop your skills further, use the
rest of your time at school or college
(time management), been a teamplayer
(teamwork) and talked through game
plans with your team (communication).
You can create your list by drawing a
mind map on a huge piece of paper or
These are basic introductions to to do so: get involved with schemes you can use an app. Then decide which
inspire you to find out more. But how such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s of the likes and skills on the list are the
do you work out which career would Awards or Young Enterprise, offer to most important to you.
suit you best? Look at both the skills mentor younger students or take up a
you have and what you enjoy doing. new interest outside of school.
Identify your skills Work out what you enjoy
There are some ‘general’ skills you’ll Think about what skills and activities
need whatever construction, you’ve enjoyed at school and
engineering or property job you go
into. For example, you’ll need to be
elsewhere – and what you didn’t enjoy.
Did you prefer science to English? If
Be aware of
able to work in a team; communicate
with colleagues and probably clients
you have a part-time job in a
supermarket, do you like talking to
professional
too; and manage your time – that is,
meet deadlines and be punctual. Some
customers? Would you prefer to be
cooped up inside on a winter’s day or
qualifications
jobs require specific skills and would you want to venture out? Many of the professions
qualities. For example, architects Considering your likes and dislikes featured over the next few
need to be able to draw and will help you find a job that you love. pages involve taking an
scaffolders can’t be
afraid of heights. Make a match additional on-the-job
Make a list of your school/college qualification. This qualification
subjects and extracurricular activities. is awarded by the institution
Write down the things you liked about that represents your chosen
them, and the different skills you profession and tells the world
needed to take part in them. For that you are qualified to a high
example, if you played rugby, standard. You can start
you may have enjoyed being
out of doors and
working towards it on a school
getting fit – and leaver training programme or
you will have graduate scheme. See page 38
turned up for more information.
16 | careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016Which job role?
career choice
If you like If you like If you want to be
designing... being in charge... out and about all
Consider: All jobs can lead to management, day...
Architecture ..........................page 21 but if you want to start off as a
Engineering (design roles) manager, consider: Consider:
......................................pages 29–33 Civil/structural/geotechnical Building surveying ..............page 21
Landscape architecture ......page 22 engineering (on site) ..........page 22 Civil/structural/geotechnical
Property surveying ..............page 35 engineering (on site) ..........page 22
If you like getting Site management ................page 23 Engineering (depending on the
industry and employer)
......................................pages 29–33
the best deal... If you want to
Planning ................................page 35
Property surveying ..............page 35
Consider:
Manufacturing engineering ..page 32
work with Quantity surveying (on site)
Property surveying ..............page 35 your hands... ................................................page 23
Site management ................page 23
Quantity surveying ..............page 23
Consider:
Construction crafts and
skilled trades ........................page 24 If you want a
If you like
Motor vehicle
interpreting technician work....................page 30 ‘green’ career...
Roles where you’ll have a particular
rules... focus on minimising our
Consider: environmental impact include:
Architectural technology ....page 21 All construction jobs....pages 21–25
Building surveying ..............page 21 Automotive engineering......page 30
Manufacturing (process) Chemical engineering ..........page 31
engineering ..........................page 32 Environmental engineering page 32
Planning ................................page 35 Manufacturing engineering page 32
Property surveying ..............page 35 Planning ................................page 35
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 17Which job role?
How the construction
Different organisations work together to build a project. Here’s how...
1 It starts with the client
2 The client then hires consultants
...who decides something should be
built. They might be a property ...who will advise them on matters • civil, structural, mechanical and
development company, a local relating to the design, cost and any electrical engineering employers.
authority, a central government regulations. The client could employ Consultants, then, look after the design
department, a private business several consultancies or one phase of the project – they design the
or an individual. consultancy to advise on everything. structure and work out how much that
The client decides what they want Either way, one consultant design will cost to build. Once this has
to build, the timeframe in which it organisation will often oversee the been established, they decide which
should be built and how much it project on behalf of the client. construction contractor should do the
should cost. Consultant organisations include: construction work. Contractors have to
• architecture practices ‘bid’ for the work – put a case for why
• cost consultancy (quantity they are the best company to carry
1 The traditional process
surveying) employers out the work and state their price.
The diagram above shows the typical
process of how a construction project
gets built, but some larger firms offer
a design-and-build service where they 2 Working for a consultancy
take on the typical work of a consultant If you work at a consultancy, your • You work office hours (typically
and a contractor. Large projects can work will be on the design phase. 8.30 am – 6.00 pm) but may have
take years to get from the initial idea Civil engineers make sure that the to work longer hours close to a
to being fully completed. technical details on plans will work deadline.
and quantity surveyors price up how • You usually work on a number of
much the design would cost. projects at the same time.
• You work in an office... • As you work on a project in its
• ...sometimes you get to visit sites early stages, it may be years
and occasionally you could be before you see the finished project
‘seconded’ (sent) to work on a in operation.
site, but this is an office job.
18 | careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016Which job role?
industry works
3 Contractors carry out ...but may get subcontractors to help
the construction work... If there is work involved in the project • the reinforced concrete works
Once the contractor has won the that needs specialist skills or • structural steelwork
work, construction begins on site. knowledge, the contractor might offer the • work on the foundations
They ensure the project is built to work to specialist organisations that • plumbing and electrical work.
the agreed quality, budget and have more expertise in specific areas. Subcontractors tend to be smaller and
timeframe. They take instructions Typical tasks that might be given to local employers. They work in similar
about the design from the design subcontractors include: conditions to contractors.
consultancy and run any design-
related problems past them.
What are construction projects? Know your markets
3 Working for a contractor A project could be a ‘new build’, Larger construction companies
Job roles with contractors include site a renovation or a refurbishment. specialise in particular ‘markets’ or
managers, civil engineers, quantity It can cover anything in the built sectors – for example, they might offer
surveyors, and trades or craft people. environment around us, for example: civil and structural engineering services
• You work on site (or from a • houses, office blocks, warehouses, for healthcare projects. Some work in a
temporary office on site) in all factories and hospitals range of sectors while other companies
weathers. • train stations and airports provide expertise in just one or two
• Depending on the project, you • roads, railways, bridges and tunnels areas. Many construction professionals
might need to work shifts or • piers, dams and coastal defences specialise in a particular type of project
overnight. • nuclear power plants and other over time.
• Working hours are longer out on generators of energy.
site (typically 7.30 am – 6.00 pm)
and you may need to work longer Relocation, relocation, relocation... More advice and information about
hours if things get behind schedule. or commute construction at targetcareers.co.uk
• You typically work on one project Don’t be surprised if you have to
at a time. relocate for the job or face a long
• You get to see things being built commute. This is more likely if you
before your very eyes. work for a contractor, as you’ll be
expected to go to where the projects
are. If you work for a national
employer, the project can be anywhere
across the country but smaller
employers are more likely to work in a
particular region. Consultants are also
more likely to stay in their local area,
but may need to travel to visit sites.
If you work for an international
employer, you might get to work
abroad – although you may need to
get a few years’ experience under your
belt first. If this is the case, the
company usually pays for your
accommodation.
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 19Inspiring possibilities
for school leavers
Work or uni?
TARGETcareers is designed to help school leavers make choices and
help them discover what they really want to do.
School leavers can:
• search through over 33,000 • research career routes with
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targetcareers.co.ukArchitects and Building
architectural technologists surveyors
Every building starts with the A perfect job for those who want to
design. Enter the architect. work in property and construction.
rchitects design buildings that are safe, attractive and uilding surveyors provide technical advice
A as environmentally friendly as possible. They stay
involved throughout the construction process,
adapting their plans if the budget, environmental factors or
the client’s wishes change. They are assisted by architectural
B relating to construction and property. They typically:
• conduct building surveys (inspect properties on behalf of
would-be buyers). They report on the building’s
technologists and technicians. condition, for example if there is damp, and what any
Architectural technologists ensure that the technical repairs would cost.
aspects of a design work and comply with regulations. • record dilapidations (changes) to a building’s condition
They work in a similar role to civil engineers in that way. since its last inspection. They then need to arrange repairs
Architectural technologists may also be hired to oversee a with the owner’s agreement.
project from start to finish. Technicians help prepare • oversee, design and decide what needs to be done on
drawings, compile technical information such as surveys, simpler construction projects that don’t require an
and help put together proposals and contracts. architect – often small extensions or an office
Most architects, technologists and technicians work in refurbishment.
architectural practices; many experienced architects and • advise owners on ‘party walls’ (walls, floors or ceilings
technologists set up their own. There are a few vacancies shared between two properties). They help owners alter
with large construction employers and in the public sector. or repair these and decide which owner pays for what.
Building surveyors usually work for property firms,
Do you need a degree? housing developers or specialist surveying firms. They split
To become an architect, you need a degree approved by their time between an office and their clients’ properties.
the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA): it takes
seven years, including two years of work placements. A
levels in art/graphic design, maths and physics are useful,
but not always required. Many universities want a
“You’ll need to think
combination of arts and sciences.
Most architectural technologists study a three-year
both technically and
degree approved by the Chartered Institute of Architectural
Technologists. Technicians typically study an HND/HNC practically.”
before applying for a job; there are a few apprenticeships.
With further study, they can become technologists.
What qualifications do you need?
Money, money, money Employers usually want you to have an undergraduate or
According to architectural recruitment agency Adrem’s postgraduate degree that has been approved by the Royal
‘Architectural Salary Guide 2015’, average salaries are: Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Chartered
• Junior technician: £23,000 Institute of Building. Some courses ask for a physics A level
• Senior technician: £37,000 (or equivalent). There are a few apprenticeships available.
• Trainee architects on a first work placement: £20,000 Alternatively, you could complete an HND and apply for a
• Trainee architects on a second work placement: £25,000 building surveying technician job.
• Senior architect: £48,000
• Director of an architectural practice: £85,000
A good choice if...
A good choice if... You want to get out and about, but return to a dry,
You are good at freehand drawing. warm office.
You are creative. You get bored doing the same thing all the time.
You can get your head around maths. You like to take charge.
You can get to grips with detailed information You are interested in the law and how it can be
on building regulations. applied practically.
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 21Civil, structural Landscape
and geotechnical engineers architects
Creating the tallest buildings Combining a flair for design and
and the longest bridges. concern for the environment.
ivil and structural engineers design, build and andscape architects aim to improve the quality of the
C maintain the constructed world around us: bridges,
tunnels, roads, railways, dams, pipelines, buildings,
power plants, offshore wind facilities and so on. They
ensure the technical detail in architects’ plans will work in
L environment by designing and managing the open
spaces around us. They combine artistic skills with
knowledge of human activity and the natural environment
to design public areas in towns, cities and the countryside.
practice. They often specialise in a type of project, such as They use computer-aided design packages to model and
highways. Structural engineers have particular responsibility experiment with designs; visit, survey and analyse sites that
for ensuring that the structure (inner-framework) of the could be developed; draw up plans for how the space will
project holds up, even in bad weather. be developed in the longer term; help to protect and
conserve the environment; deal with clients; and work along
Consultants v. contractors other construction professionals.
If you work for a construction or engineering consultant – Landscape architects tend to work for specialist landscape
who designs and plans projects – you will be working on architectural practices, environmental consultancies,
the technical aspects of designs, using computer-aided transport planners and large engineering consultancies. There
design packages. If you work for a construction or are also a few vacancies in the public sector.
engineering contractor – who builds the project – you’ll
make sure that the design is implemented properly. If you Do you need a degree?
work for a public sector organisation or utilities supplier, To become a landscape architect, you need to study a degree
you’ll help to investigate the need for public services, such approved by the Landscape Institute. This is usually a four-
as roads, and maintain them. See page 29 for more year landscape architecture undergraduate degree, but you
information on engineering entry routes. can study a one- or two-year postgraduate degree instead if
your undergraduate degree is in a subject such as art and
Building foundations design, geography, the environmental sciences, engineering,
If structural engineering takes your fancy, consider biology or horticulture. Useful subjects to study at A level
geotechnical engineering too. Geotechnical engineers are (or equivalent) include art, geography, biology and
responsible for structures’ foundations, assessing data environmental science. You will need good maths and
from the field, finding ways to ensure foundations or physics GCSEs (or equivalent).
slopes are stable, designing foundations, and overseeing
work on a construction site.
“Mixing artistic skill
with knowledge of
human activity.”
Money, money, money
According to the Landscape Institute’s 2014 salary survey:
• Most graduates start out on a salary of £20,000–£24,999.
A good choice if... • Most landscape architects who have gained chartered
status (you usually become chartered three years after
You can draw basic sketches – you don’t have graduating) earn £30,000–£39,999, although a few earn
to be an artist. over £100,000.
You like knowing the technical details of how things
work (for jobs with consultancies). A good choice if...
You’d like to work out on site instead of in an office You are creative.
(for jobs with contractors). You are good at art and biology.
You want to be able to say ‘I helped build that!’ You like the outdoors.
You want to help protect the environment.
Please see pages 42 and 44 for the career stories of civil
and structural engineering apprentices and university students.
22 | careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016Quantity Site
surveyors managers
Being the money men and women Being in charge of making things
of the construction industry. happen on a construction site.
Q uantity surveyors (QSs) can also be known as cost
consultants, commercial managers, cost managers
or cost engineers. But whatever you’re called, your
role is to help a construction project to make a profit.
C onstruction site managers ensure things get done on
a construction site. They make sure that the
building work is finished on time, in budget and to
a high standard. They organise schedules of work,
You’ll keep a close eye on how much everything costs (the manage workers and deal with issues such as health and
materials, the time taken and the workers’ salaries) and safety, logistics and the effects of the building work on
make payments. members of the public. On larger and more complicated
If you work for a construction or QS consultancy – projects, an experienced site manager will have a number
which looks after the ‘design’ stage of the project – you’ll of assistant managers, each looking after one part of the
be based in an office. You’ll spend most of your time project (or package), such as the foundations.
working out how much different designs cost. If you work
for a contractor – which builds the project – you’ll be
based in an office on a construction site. You might help
to choose which materials to buy, be out on site checking
completed work, track the materials used or pay
subcontractors for their work.
Do you need a degree?
Employers will want you to gain an undergraduate or
postgraduate degree that has been approved by the Royal
Institution of Chartered Surveyors or the Chartered
Institute of Building. But some will hire you onto an
apprenticeship or trainee scheme with GCSEs and/or Working hours
A levels (or equivalents). They’ll then pay for you to study Site managers typically work for construction contractors
an HND or bachelor qualification while working for them. and are based on site. As with any job role on site, you
may have to work night and weekend shifts, and hours
Routes in can be long: a 40-hour week is normal and you will
• Enter with GCSEs or equivalent? probably have to work overtime as deadlines approach.
A few apprenticeships/training programmes
• Enter with A levels or equivalents? Routes in
Some apprentices/training programmes You can start out as an assistant manager if you have
• Enter with a degree in quantity surveying or similar? studied a construction or project management degree
Many graduate programmes approved by the Chartered Institute of Building, or
• Enter with a degree in another subject? A few another closely related subject such as civil engineering.
employers will hire you and sponsor you through A very few employers might hire you with a different
postgraduate study. degree and sponsor you through a postgraduate course.
The quickest way to get into management via an
apprenticeship route is to complete a higher apprenticeship,
“Helping a project for which you’ll either need A levels (or equivalent), an
advanced apprenticeship in something like construction
make a profit.” supervision or experience in the industry.
A good choice if... A good choice if...
You like to take charge.
You’re good at maths. You can make decisions quickly.
You’re good at figuring out the best buy or deal. You like solving problems.
You like keeping track of systems and pay attention You are organised.
to detail. You don’t want to work in an office – and you don’t
You like people. mind being out in all weathers.
See page 41 to read the career story of See pages 43 and 45 to read the career stories
a quantity surveying apprentice. of a site management apprentice and trainee.
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 23Which job role?
The crafts and trades
For those who prefer working with their hands to book learning.
f you choose a career in one of the Carpentry and joinery Demolition
I traditional construction crafts or
skilled trades, you can go straight
from sitting your GCSEs to
working on site. You can complete an
intermediate or advanced
Carpenters and joiners work together
to prepare and install the wooden parts
of buildings, from floorboards and
roof trusses to windows and doors.
Typically, a joiner uses drawings to
You’ll usually start off as a demolition
operative and there’ll be lots of power
tools to use and crane-based work to
do. As such, it’s essential you have a
head for heights and an awareness of
apprenticeship. Alternatively, you can prepare the materials and a carpenter health and safety. You’ll spend your
take a vocational qualification at installs them and does any structural days blowing up or pulling down
college and then find an entry-level work – but the two roles overlap and disused or unattractive buildings, as
job. You could find work with large sometimes one person will do both. well as preparing sites for new
construction employers, smaller Joinery can be split into two areas: site projects. If you wish, you can
specialist employers or within the (floors, doors and roofs) and bench specialise in a particular method of
public sector. Many experienced trades (counters, kitchens and staircases). demolition, such as explosives.
and crafts people work for themselves. Carpenters and joiners must be able to
Below we outline some of the main cope with dusty conditions.
crafts or trades open to you.
Brickwork
A good choice if...
Brickwork is You are physically fit.
probably the Electrical work
You wouldn’t mind
most well known and popular Electricians (sometimes known as
construction craft. It includes
interacting with customers if electrical technicians) install and repair
bricklaying as well as stonemasonry, required. the electrical systems around us: for
and you can choose to specialise in one You are practical and like example, in all sorts of buildings and
or both of these areas. As a bricklayer, working with your hands. on our streets. You might find yourself
you’ll work as part of a ‘brickwork You don’t want to work in an specialising in installation or
gang’ to trim and shape bricks, lay office – and don’t mind being maintenance – or in a particular area
bricks, apply mortar and check the such as highways maintenance and
out in all weathers.
courses are straight. There could be street lighting or solar panels. You may
several gangs on site, depending on the
Keeping up to date with work in a team or on your own. You’ll
size of the project. building and health and need to be a logical thinker and
Stonemasonry is a traditional yet safety regulations wouldn’t problem solver. A head for heights and
increasingly uncommon skill, but it’s bother you. being happy working in all weathers
essential to our heritage and great if will probably be useful, too. Be aware
you like history. Stonemasons – who that you may need to take extra on-
create and restore stonework on the-job qualifications to ensure you are
buildings and other structures – tend able to carry out tasks such as PAT
to look after older buildings. testing (portable appliance testing).
24 | careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016Which job role?
Painting and decorating Scaffolding and steeplejacking Wall and floor covering
You will paint and decorate in a range As a scaffolder, you will literally put There are four main careers within
of environments, from redecorating up and take down scaffolding using a this craft: plastering, dry lining,
the homes of the rich and famous to series of metal tubes (standards), tiling and floor fitting/laying.
applying finishing paint touches to horizontal poles (ledgers) and wooden Accuracy and the ability to work
structures such as bridges. You could working platforms (battens). You’ll from drawings that someone else
choose to specialise in a particular need a head for heights, good has done are core skills. You could
technique such as restoration. Be hand–eye coordination and to be be doing anything from pebble
prepared to wear a protective mask resilient to extreme weather. dashing (as a plasterer) or applying
or climb a ladder in order to carry out Steeplejacks use a variety of systems grout (as a tiler) to improving
a job. – scaffolding, harnesses, belay rope acoustics (as a dry liner) or re-
fall-arrest systems, bosun’s chairs and hanging doors (as a carpet fitter).
abseil equipment – to carry out general
maintenance work and repairs at great
heights. As a steeplejack, you will
work across the main areas of
construction, doing tasks such as
repairing masonry and fitting aircraft
warning lights on tall structures.
Plumbing Becoming a card carrier
Plumbers do more than you might
think. They do fix sanitation systems Many construction employers want their site workers to gain a
and leaky pipes, work on heating and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, which
air-conditioning systems, fit bathrooms proves that you are qualified to do your job properly. You’ll need to
and install dishwashers and such like. demonstrate that you have obtained the appropriate
But they might also work on a qualification for your job and pass an appropriate Construction
construction site, planning where pipes Industry Training Board Health, Safety and Environment test.
need to go. Plumbers can sometimes
work unsociable hours if asked to deal
with an emergency.
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 25Which job role?
The engineering industries
explained
Engineers specialise in different industries. Find out more about
them and consider which interests you the most.
Aerospace Automotive
WHAT IT IS: flying things... helicopters, fighter jets, WHAT IT IS: cars and other motor vehicles. The UK has
unmanned vehicles, commercial planes, satellites, space seven Formula 1 manufacturers, seven mainstream and
stations, rockets etc. major premium/sports car manufacturers, nine bus and
coach manufacturers, and 100+ other companies involved
FACTORS AFFECTING THE in putting vehicles together.**
INDUSTRY: world events and
conflicts, environmental FACTORS AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY: the increasing
concerns, searches for new reliance on electronics and software, the need to reduce
fuels. carbon emissions.
ENGINEERS TYPICALLY ENGINEERS
NEEDED: aerospace/ TYPICALLY NEEDED:
aeronautical, automotive, aerospace, automotive,
electrical, electronics, chemical, electrical,
manufacturing, mechanical, electronics,
software.* environmental,
manufacturing,
mechanical,
Chemical Defence software.*
engineers engineering’s
are very at the cutting
important to edge.
the economy.
Chemicals Defence
WHAT IT IS: the backbone of industry... oil companies, WHAT IT IS: equipment,
manufacturers, pharmaceuticals and water treatment support and services for the
companies and more – those who use and produce armed forces and national
chemicals that create products, and make factories and security, whether that is the latest
other industrial sites work. weaponry or military vehicles. Engineers often work at the
cutting edge of technology.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY: the price of oil,
world events and conflicts, environmental concerns. FACTORS AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY: the needs of
military personnel, military strategy, costs, the need to
ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: chemical, deliver products/projects quickly.
civil/structural, electrical, environmental, manufacturing,
mechanical.* ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: aerospace, automotive,
chemical, civil/structural, electrical, electronics,
environmental, manufacturing, mechanical, software.*
26 | careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016Which job role?
Electronics Energy and power
WHAT IT IS: smartphones, medical scanners, TVs, game WHAT IT IS: finding energy sources and generating power…
consoles, washing machines, radios, unmanned vehicles… oil, gas, tidal, wind, solar, nuclear etc. The industry is
the creation of anything that divided into generating, transmitting/distributing, metering
includes electronic systems. and sales. Oil and gas generation is divided into ‘upstream’
It crosses over with other (exploring and producing) and ‘downstream’ (refining ready
engineering industries. for use).
FACTORS AFFECTING THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY: accessing dwindling
INDUSTRY: the emphasis on supplies and harnessing newer sources, environmental
safety, trends in technology concerns, world events and conflicts.
(eg ‘Google Glass’), the
changing behaviour/ ENGINEERS
expectations of consumers. TYPICALLY NEEDED:
aerospace, automotive,
ENGINEERS TYPICALLY chemical,
NEEDED: aerospace, civil/structural,
automotive, chemical, electrical, electronics,
electrical, electronics, environmental, manufacturing,
manufacturing, mechanical, software.*
mechanical, software.*
Marine
engineers
Producing face extra
goods that challenges.
fly off the
shelves.
Marine
Fast moving consumer goods
WHAT IT IS: ships and other sea-
(FMCG) faring vessels or equipment – eg
equipment aimed at off-shore
WHAT IT IS: the manufacturing of goods that fly off the and sub-sea exploration.
production line only to fly off shop shelves just as quickly.
These tend to be everyday products: food, cleaning FACTORS AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY: designing for a wet,
products, cosmetics etc. Thousands of goods can be windy, salty and unstable environment, demands for global
produced every minute. shipping and energy, the need to improve efficiency.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE INDUSTRY: the need to ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: chemical,
minimise cost and wastage, needing to keep production civil/structural, electrical, electronics, environmental,
moving, environmental concerns. manufacturing, mechanical, software.*
ENGINEERS TYPICALLY NEEDED: chemical, civil/structural,
electrical, electronics, manufacturing, mechanical.*
careers Construction, Engineering & Property 2016 | 27You can also read
