The construction sector consists of the following areas:
- infrastructure, repair and maintenance;
- public and private housing;
- non-residential public property (e.g. hospitals and schools);
- industrial (e.g. factories and processing plant) and commercial construction.
It is anticipated that for the next five years, an extra 87,600 new recruits will be required each year. A third of these jobs are expected to be for typical graduate roles such as architects, business process managers, construction managers and technical/engineering staff (Blueprint for Construction Skills 2007-2011, Construction Skills Network, ConstructionSkills, February 2007).
What’s it like working in this sector?
The construction industry moves at a fast pace. New methods, techniques and technology develop rapidly and legislation is always changing. Feedback from new recruits shows that they value the following aspects of the working environment:
- variety;
- challenge;
- responsibility;
- intellectual stimulation;
- sense of satisfaction from contributing to the safety, efficiency and sustainability of the environment and developing world.
The working environment can be stressful and may involve:
- high levels of responsibility early on;
- decision-making under pressure;
- meticulous attention to detail;
- multitasking under pressure.
Where can I work?
The concentration of UK work in the construction sector (42% of all new vacancies) will shift from the North, to the South and East of England, focusing on London with major infrastructure and building developments such as the 2012 Olympics and Thames Gateway regeneration.
The other UK region expecting a major boost in construction work is Northern Ireland, with £14billion of public investment scheduled between 2006 and 2015 (Blueprint for Construction Skills 2007-2011, Construction Skills Network, ConstructionSkills, February 2007).
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