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Get Ahead In The Construction Industry - Engineering Careers

In the current global economy, construction remains one of the stalwarts of the market. It can range from Building Skills, to Architecture and on to Design and even Health and Safety issues at work. There are many routes to a variety of careers within the Construction Industry.

Basically, there are three tiers of careers within the construction industry. A large number of on-site workers tend to be Un-skilled or Semi-skilled workers who haven't gone through lengthy training. The next level is that of skilled labour and this refers to the Foremen and Managers who work on-site.

Last of all come the Management and Technical Professionals. Due to the fact that these people hold the highest qualifications in this sector they are the ones who manage, plan, design and train the construction methods.

When you want to consider your options you may want to refer to some of the training companies and links featured here, so make sure that you book-mark this page (Ctrl-D).

The Basis for Training in the Construction Sector

In the United Kingdom, further education certifications are deemed a must-have for those in a skilled occupation. Students can go through a college or by on-the-job training to get their required qualifications. Just over two years ago, over 8,500 construction training positions began in this country. Two years on and that training number has increased to eighteen thousand.

It's widely recognised in the industry that there are three types of construction. One is in the domestic market, and the other two are in the commercial sector.

Building Construction is the initial area to check off. This is mainly concerned with extending existing property. Most of these renovations are relatively modest and fairly low key. Profit centred organisations that work on medium sized projects come under the heavy construction category. The third sector of construction is industrial - by far the largest projects fall into this category, though they're much fewer and far between than the others. Very large businesses and corporations are often behind plans such as these.

As you go through the list from Building Construction to Industrial Construction, the size of the job increases massively. The range of plans also raises the costs, with large industrial projects sometimes costing up to a billion pounds or more. Let's now get an overview of some of the professionals who work in the industry:

Civil Engineering

Usually Civil Engineers hold degree level qualifications in their subject matter. The Chartered Engineer qualification is issued by the Institution of Civil Engineers. New University Graduates however require a masters degree to acquire Chartered status. However, anyone graduating with a Bachelors Degree can go on to become an Incorporated Engineer at that stage.

Building Services Engineers

Another engineering discipline needed in construction is Building Services Engineering. For this type of position it is customary for people to have a suitable degree e.g. in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Those looking for accredited status as a competent and professional building services engineer should consider membership of the CIBSE.

Project Managers

These professionals are generally holders of a two or three year higher education certificate or degree. They may also have experience in Civil Engineering.

Quantity Surveyor

To become a surveyor, you must first qualify in an appropriate QS degree. Chartered status is gained from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Structural Engineer

Anyone working as a structural engineer on major projects will have their say about the environment we live in. SE's often work alongside architects and designers on the construction of structures. As structures have to remain safe and serviceable for many years, the designs, materials and calculations all have to be expertly worked through.

Architecture

Twelve months practical experience follows the first degree, then a further two years on a second degree or diploma, with more practical experience and exams following that. An architect is responsible for designing new buildings and the surrounding spaces. They have to work closely with their clients, fellow professionals, officials and users to ensure their work complies with everyone's needs.