Wanna get plastering?
There are more than 700 different types of jobs available within the construction industry for both men and women and over 86,000* job opportunities expected this year alone. So whether you have a passion for plastering or a craving for carpentry, learndirect is urging keen DIY-ers to consider a career in construction.
Skills shortages in the industry
"So, if the prospect of fixing the leaky tap or assembling the flat-packed furniture is something that you relish, why not think about turning your occasional hobby into a job? learndirect can provide guidance and advice to those who would like to embark on a career in construction, offering information on how to acquire the skills they will need to get ahead."
In demand
Breakdowns of occupational figures indicate that the most in-demand occupations will be:
- Carpenters and joiners - 12,460 needed per year
- Managers - 10,020 need per year
- Plumbers - 6,520 needed per year
- Bricklayers - 6,000 needed per year
- Technicians - 2,240 needed per year
In addition, 5,010 professionals are also needed per year.
Salaries range from £17,000 - £26,000 +
What's involved? Making and installing wooden structures, fixtures and fittings
Skills needed: Careful and methodical approach and ability to plan accurately; careful and methodical approach and ability to plan accurately; practical ability and manual skills; numeracy competency for measuring and making calculations; ability to work as part of a team and alone.
Salaries range from £11,000 - £21,000 +
What's involved? Lay floor coverings in homes and commercial premises
Skills needed: Good practical skills; good numeracy skills to work out measurements and costs; physically fit; polite and pleasant manner for dealing with customers; ability to work quickly and accurately.
Salaries range from £12,700 - £25,000 +
What's involved? Inspect, test and install wiring systems and equipment
Skills needed: Competency with a range of power tools; ability to follow technical drawings and instructions; methodical approach and attention to detail; safety-conscious; ability to work alone; take responsibility for own work and make decisions.
Salaries range from £10,000 - £25,000 +
What's involved? Construct and maintain gardens, parks, sports grounds and other outdoor areas.
Skills needed: Physically fit to cope with strenuous tasks; creativity and ability to interpret drawings; interest in the environment, plants and their effective use; ability to work quickly and meet deadlines; practical skills to work with a variety of tools.
Salaries range from £13,500 - £21,000 +
What's involved? Work on all types of buildings. Jobs can range from the re-decoration of a domestic household through to the application of heavy-duty finishing to bridges, ships or oil rigs
Skills needed: Practical and creative ability; good colour vision for mixing and matching paints; ability to work accurately and have an appreciation for detail; ability to work alone and as part of a team; comfortable working at heights.
Salaries range from £16,000 - £26,000+
What's involved? Install, maintain and repair hot and cold water supplies, and sanitation and waste disposal systems
Skills needed: Ability to read technical drawings and plans; good practical and problem-solving skills; careful and methodical approach to work; ability to work at heights and in confined spaces; awareness of safety issues and legal regulations; ability to work as part of a team and alone.
If you're thinking of turning your DIY hobby into a job then learndirect can offer advice on a range of construction courses from a City and Guilds Certificate in Plumbing to an NVQ in Floorlaying! Call learndirect on 0800 100 900 for impartial, free, careers advice or log on to www.learndirect-advice.co.uk
* Based on a study taken from Property News
** Based on the figure that 2 million people are already employed in the construction industry. Source: CITB
***According to CITB-ConstructionSkills' Skills Foresight Report, published in January 2003:
