3D visualisers bring the architect’s ideas to life, taking plans, architectural illustrations and other reference materials and using these to produce photo-realistic 3D images or animations of proposed buildings and developments.
Access floorers install raised floor systems. This can include just about any project that requires raised floorings – from houses to nightclubs to airports.
Accounting and finance staff keep track of the money that comes in and goes out of a business. As an accountant, you could be preparing financial records to present for audit, overseeing tax and VAT submissions, and wages. Many accountants work across a range of different industries, whilst others specialise in a particular sector.
Accounts assistants are responsible for providing accounting and administrative support to the accountant or financial manager, or to other members of the accounts team.
Administrators support the smooth running of offices by carrying out clerical tasks and projects. As an administrator in the construction industry, you could be organising project meetings. You’d be typing up documents, responding to business enquiries, drawing up contracts and providing customer service. You are likely to be processing lots of information using a computer, so you’ll need strong IT skills. Excellent communication skills are also important, to ensure the office operates efficiently. There is huge scope for career progression as an administrator, in a variety of settings.
Archaeologists increase our understanding of the human past by uncovering and protecting remains and artefacts. These are often uncovered on construction sites and archaeologists ensure they are preserved and can be added to the Historic Environment Records. As an archaeologist, you’d be involved during project planning. You could conduct initial research and exploratory excavations before construction starts to protect our cultural heritage.
Architects creatively shape our environment by designing the buildings and spaces around us. They bring new structures to life and restore or renovate existing ones. Architects collaborate with others to ensure that designs are fit for purpose and safe, whether they’re working on individual buildings or large developments.
Architectural technicians specialise in the application of technology in architecture, an integral supporting role on the design team providing professional technical guidance.
Architectural Technology is the technology of architecture: a creative, innovative design discipline rooted in science and engineering.
An Asbestos Removal Operative undertakes the safe removal of materials found to contain Asbestos which can be from anywhere including industrial sites, shops/offices and even people’s homes.
Asset managers manage and monitor a company’s assets. This could include property, money, stocks, shares and bonds, commodities, equities and other financial products. As an asset manager, you’d aim to maximise your employer’s return on investment. You’d ensure that their projects improve income and financial stability.
Banksmen/signallers are responsible for directing the movement of vehicles and plant on or around a site. As a signaller, you’d be critical to on-site health and safety. Slinger signallers also have a role within factories, where modular buildings are constructed.
Bathroom fitters install all aspects of bathrooms including showers, baths, sinks, toilets and storage units. Many bathroom fitters work as a team, made up of specialists. So you could be removing old units, fitting new ones, laying floors, plastering or tiling walls, painting and decorating, plumbing or even doing electrical work.
Bedroom fitters install bedroom furniture, including flat packs and bespoke build units.
Bid managers/writers are responsible for preparing and writing the detailed commercial documents that companies have submit to win new contracts.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) describes the process of designing and delivering a building collaboratively using a coherent system of 3D computer models.
BIM (Building Information Modelling) technicians use computer technology to pull all the information about a construction project into one design. As a BIM technician, you’d use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programmes to accurately model a project in multiple dimensions. As well as detailing architectural plans, components, materials and build procedures, you’ll include information about how the structure will operate and be maintained.
Bricklayers lay bricks, pre-cut stone and concrete blocks in mortar. They construct, extend and repair domestic and commercial buildings, and other structures such as foundations, walls, chimneys or decorative masonry work. Bricklaying offers a real sense of achievement. At the end of a project, you’ll see the results and be able to say, ‘I built that’.
Building control surveyors make sure that regulations are followed on construction sites and projects.
Building envelope specialists install and repair non-structural coverings to buildings using a variety of materials such as wood, glass and metal.
Building services engineers install, maintain and often design the systems that make buildings safe, convenient and comfortable.
Building services engineering technicians help engineers design, plan and install electrical and mechanical systems within buildings.
Building surveyors survey buildings to assess their condition and structure, providing advice on repairs or proposed renovations or alterations.
Building technicians are involved in the construction of buildings and building works.
Business development managers are responsible for driving business growth by developing contacts, identifying market opportunities and increasing sales.
Buyers are responsible for ensuring that the materials required for construction projects are provided to schedule and according to projected budgets.
Computer-aided design (CAD) operators use computer software to produce 2D and 3D drawings for construction and manufacturing projects. As a CAD operator, you may be designing buildings, machinery or component parts. You’d be taking complex information and using it to produce technical building diagrams for architects, engineers and other construction workers.
Carpentry is one of the oldest construction trades and is in high demand. Carpenters use natural materials (wood/timber) to install wooden fixtures and fittings. As a carpenter you could be installing doors, floors and furniture in new builds, renovating or refitting existing structures, building sets for film and theatre companies and much more.
Cavity insulation installers fit insulation materials into buildings, such as damp proofing, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.
Ceiling fixers install suspended ceilings and hide and protect unsightly and potentially dangerous materials such as wiring, pipework, heating and air-conditioning systems.
Chimney Engineers/Technicians ensures that domestic and site based chimneys and flues are installed and maintained to strict safety standards.
Civil engineers plan, design and manage large construction projects. This could include bridges, buildings, transport links and other major structures. They use computer modelling software and data from surveys, tests and maps to create project blueprints. These plans advise contractors on the best course of action and help minimise environmental impact and risk.
Civil engineering technicians put their science and technology know how to work on complicated construction posers – from how to widen a motorway to building the world's tallest structure.
A clerk of works inspects the workmanship, quality and safety of work on construction sites and reports back to senior managers and clients. As a clerk of work, you’d be conducting regular site inspections and checking that building plans are being followed correctly. You’d check that work is being carried out to the correct specifications and legal, safety and environmental standards.
Commercial managers are responsible for the budget and keep on top of all the costs involved in large-scale construction projects.
Compliance managers ensure that a business, its employees and its projects comply with all relevant regulations and specifications, as well as any ethical policies the company may have laid down.
Concrete Finishers smooth and finish the exposed surfaces of poured concrete floors and other structures.
Construction directors are responsible for monitoring work on building projects. They ensure jobs are completed on time and within budget, to the standard expected of your company. Construction directors manage schedules of work and delegate tasks to senior colleagues and their teams, to ensure that each phase of the build is completed as planned.
Construction managers are responsible for the practical side of managing and planning every stage of the building process.
Contract engineers develop bids and contracts to make sure that the project meets the customer’s needs.
Contract managers identify, secure and manage projects and contracts.
Conveyancing advisers are responsible for managing the process of transferring ownership of a property from one owner (which could be an individual or a business) to another.
Crane Operators operate a variety of machines to lift and move materials, equipment or products, safely and efficiently.
Crane Supervisors are responsible for supervising lifting operations.
A corporate social responsibility (CSR) coordinator is almost the conscience of a company – championing, developing and reporting on the ethical, environmentally-friendly and community-minded side of the business.
Damp causes serious problems to buildings and can be dangerous to people’s health. As a damp proofer, you would prevent damp entering into buildings from the ground, and through walls and cracks. You could be installing damp-proof products and protecting bricks and timber. You may also repair structural damage and will need an understanding of drainage and ventilation systems.
Demolition operatives dismantle old and derelict structures or buildings.
Depot managers manage all the functions of a building supplies depot.
Design managers coordinate all of the design work required during construction projects. They manage the production of technical drawings and plans used to build a structure. Design managers bring together architects, structural and service engineers, along with specialist designers and BIM technicians, to create coordinated designs which can be used during the build and aid maintenance of the structure once complete.
Diamond drilling operatives have one of the most highly-skilled and specialist construction jobs – cutting through the toughest materials on a building site.
Dispatch Managers are responsible for managing the timely dispatch of completed orders from the production facility or warehouse to the customer.
Document controllers maintain project documents. They ensure that accurate information is distributed throughout an organisation, on time, to the people who need it. In the construction industry, document controllers work with technical documents like blueprints and reports. They sort and store electronic and hard copy documents for designers, surveyors, architects and other colleagues.
Drainage engineers are responsible for designing systems that move water or sewage from one place to another, as safely and efficiently as possible.
Draught proofers make sure buildings are properly ventilated without losing heat or wasting energy.
Dryliners create walls and rooms in buildings. They use plasterboard to hide pipes and wires, make space for insulation and smooth out uneven surfaces. They can build suspended ceilings, raised floors, and provide specialist soundproofing. The role involves measuring, cutting and attaching plasterboard (fixing), and sealing over joints between boards to smooth the edges (finishing).
Ecologists study the animals and plants that inhabit a particular environment, and report on the likely impact of any proposed construction works.
Economists study complex data and statistics and use this to deliver predictions of future trends.
Electrical engineers design, develop and maintain electrical systems for buildings, transport systems and power distribution networks. They work in and across many industries, such as construction, transport, energy (including renewables), building services, and manufacturing. Electrical engineers need a good understanding of engineering science, and strong maths and computer skills.
Electricians provide buildings with energy to light rooms, heat water and power devices. They install, inspect and test electrical equipment, making sure it is working properly and safely. As an electrician, you could be maintaining traditional systems in homes, shops and offices. Some electricians work with renewable technology or fibre-optics. Others service motors, transformers, street lighting or traffic systems, or work on engineering projects.
Environment advisors ensure that construction projects comply with environmental regulations and targets.
Environmental engineers focus on protecting the environment by reducing waste and pollution.
Estimators calculate how much it costs to supply products or services to a client before building works can start.
Facilities managers oversee the operation and maintenance of buildings and grounds by responding to users’ needs. As a facilities manager, you could be in charge of services including buildings, cleaning, catering, hospitality, security or parking. You will need to ensure that the spaces you control meet health and safety standards and operate as intended.
Further education (FE) tutors teach young people, over the age of 16, a wide variety of courses that train them for careers in construction or engineering.
Field technicians travel to construction sites to troubleshoot equipment problems.
Fire protection installers apply or install fire protection systems in domestic or commercial buildings.
Floor layers are trained in sub-floor preparations and laying floor coverings.
Forklift drivers move loads to and from different locations.
Formworkers make temporary structures out of wood or metal for use in moulding concrete.
From new builds to complex, multiple sites, gas service installers work on a variety of projects, installing gas services.
General construction operatives do a range of jobs on a building site.
Geo-technical engineers analyse soil, rock, groundwater and other earth materials prior to major construction projects.
Glaziers measure, install and replace different types of glass in all kinds of buildings and structures.
Goods in managers are responsible for managing the in-bound process of receiving goods and materials into a facility.
The head of track oversees business operations in the remit of rail engineering, providing specialist engineering advice for all projects in this area.
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) professionals assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and review of policies and procedures.
Heritage consultants provide expert guidance and formulate strategies to manage the heritage issues on construction sites.
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers transport goods between locations. They move items for suppliers and customers, locally, nationally and internationally. As a lorry driver, you will spend a lot of time on the road and could be away from home frequently. You’ll plan delivery schedules and ensure that loads are delivered on time to the correct locations.
Higher education (HE) lecturers teach the next generation of construction professionals in universities and colleges.
Highways control managers work with local councils and utilities companies to provide highways maintenance, street lighting, and water and gas networks.
Highways engineers keep the thousands of miles of roads across Britain in good shape – and help build new ones where they’re needed.
Highways maintenance operatives help ensure that roads, pavements and motorway networks are well maintained.
Highways maintenance technicians work in a team to carry out highway maintenance programmes.
Human resources personnel develop and implement policies relating to the working practices of the organisation they are in.
Hydrographic surveyors measure and map the world’s underwater surfaces and study the construction of the seabed.
IT support analysts find IT solutions to enhance business operations, efficiency and productivity
Joiners work with timber to create staircases, windows and doors, furniture, kitchens, cupboards and interior woodwork.
Kitchen fitters install whole kitchens into people’s homes and commercial properties and workplaces. They measure and assemble each kitchen unit, cut and fit worktops including cornice and plinth.
Land Buyers seeks out development opportunities to introduce to clients.
Land drilling operatives investigate the ground on a construction site before drilling holes into it.
Land surveyors measure and map the shape of land. They gather data for civil engineering and construction projects so that accurate site plans can be drawn. As a surveyor, you’ll be part of a fast-moving, technologically advanced industry. Much of your time will be spent on-site, using technical instruments to record the environment.
Landscape architects create places for people to live, work and play and places for plants and animals to thrive.
Landscape managers plan, develop and care for outdoor spaces.
Lead Sheeting Operatives specialise in lead sheeting work on a variety of buildings from domestic housing to listed structures, churches and cathedrals.
Learning and development managers handle the training and professional development of company employees
Lecturers teach adults in Further and Higher Education. Some also do research in universities and colleges.
Legal Advisors are employed by large companies to provide counsel in legal matters.
Lifting equipment inspectors assess, repair and service lifting machinery.
Lightning conductor engineers make sure that buildings and other structures are safe if they’re struck by lightning.
Liquid waterproofing roofers apply protective liquid membranes to flat roof structures to ensure they are watertight.
Logistic and Plant Managers are responsible for overseeing all the hire, purchase, supply and use of machinery and equipment on building sites.
Maintenance operatives keep buildings in good running order by carrying out general repairs and maintenance.
Marketing and Public Relation Officers are responsible for managing the reputation of a company, influencing opinion and behaviour through various communication channels.
Mastic asphalters use a mixture of limestone and bitumen to create tough, waterproof surfaces.
Materials engineers source, test and assess the materials used in construction. They ensure that building foundations and materials are suitable and offer guidance on the best materials to use for a project, based on their individual properties, project costs and timeframes.
Nuclear process engineers are responsible for designing and managing the safe and productive running of nuclear power stations.
Occupational supervisors/team leaders work in a supervisory role and will be in charge of a team working on a construction project.
Painters and decorators bring everyday spaces to life. They prepare and apply paint, wallpaper and other finishes to surfaces, inside and out. As a painter and decorator, you’d be in high demand. You could play a key role in transforming residential, commercial and industrial projects, or specialise in renovations or maintaining heritage buildings.
Partitioning system operatives divide up the inside of a building into all kinds of spaces.
Piling operatives drive columns of wood, steel or concrete into the ground to provide support for structures such as buildings, bridges and piers.
Planners create programmes of all the work needed on large construction projects and direct activities. As a planner, you’ll oversee logistics, deploy workers, manage budgets and ensure that work is on schedule. You’ll work closely with estimators, engineers, surveyors and architects to keep projects on track and manage conflicting priorities.
Plant and Mechanical Engineers design, install and repair plant machinery and parts.
Plant Hire Desk Controllers are responsible for excellent customer service.
Plant inspectors/controllers are responsible for coordinating plant accounting and financial reporting activities.
Plant managers are in charge of all the heavy machinery (plant) used on construction sites.
Plant mechanics repair and maintain heavy construction machinery so that projects can be completed efficiently and safely. As a plant mechanic, you’d conduct regular inspections on dumpers, excavators, cranes and more. You’d need a good understanding of how each machine works, and be able to repair them on-site or access replacement parts quickly.
Plant operators use heavy machinery to dig, lift and move materials on building sites. They can dramatically change landscapes or install impressive structures in a short time. Plant operators usually specialise in one type of equipment, such as an excavator or giant crane, and need good spatial awareness to move large scale machinery.
Plant support services co-ordinators are responsible for coordinating the movements of a team of engineers to undertake service visits on site at plant.
Plasterers smooth or create a decorative finish on internal walls and ceilings. They also apply render and finishes to external walls. Most new builds and many renovation projects require a plasterer, to give a room a fresh feel, repair damage or bring a space back to life.
Plumbers fit and maintain water systems in buildings. This includes toilets, baths, showers, sinks, washing machines and dishwashers. They can also install central heating systems but need additional qualifications to work with gas boilers. Plumbers install new pipework, service older systems, identify and fix faults, and may attend emergency call-outs when water or heating systems are damaged.
Principal designers manage risk prevention during the pre-construction phase of a project.
Procurement managers find and obtain the best value services and goods needed to carry out a construction project.
Project directors have overall responsibility for the successful conclusion of construction projects. They oversee project managers, who coordinate teams to ensure that work is completed on time and within budget, to a high standard. Project directors provider leadership to strategically manage risk, monitor finances and ensure each phase of work is started or completed on time.
Project managers oversee the planning and delivery of construction projects. They ensure that work is completed on time and within budget. They organise logistics, delegate work and keep track of spending. As a project manager, you’d liaise with clients and construction professionals to arrange schedules and direct activities.
Purchasing managers buy equipment, goods and services for their company – comparing costs, quality and service to get the best value for money.
Quality assurance managers make sure services are of the right standard to keep everyone inside and outside of a construction business happy.
Quantity surveyors estimate and control costs for large construction projects. They make sure that structures meet legal and quality standards. Quantity surveyors are involved at every stage of a project. Whether they’re working on residential, commercial or industrial projects, clients rely on them to ensure that the final outcome is value for money.
Rail engineering managers are responsible for leading and implementing engineering design work for all types of rail projects.
Rail systems engineers provide insight and technical engineering expertise in regards to railway projects.
In the construction industry, receptionists act as the first point of contact for clients, subcontractors and suppliers. As a receptionist, you’ll be at the forefront of the organisation, greeting guests and contractors, and responding to phone and email enquiries. You’ll need excellent people skills to provide high-quality customer service.
Regeneration officers deliver programmes designed to improve and renovate buildings, to bring them up to date in design, health and safety compliance, and current usage.
Remediation specialists deal with the treatment and removal of contamination from soil and groundwater.
Rig drivers operate construction equipment to drive columns of wood, steel or concrete into the ground to support buildings and other structures.
Risk managers identify and assess possible threats to construction projects. They take into account financial, legal, environmental and reputational risks, plus risks to the workforce and organisation they work for. They work closely with project managers, health and safety teams, human resources and legal teams. Risk managers create policies to protect assets and minimise accidents, mistakes, budget loss or public liability.
Roofing operatives work on the protective layers of a building which separate the inside from the elements using a range of materials, methods and structures.
Safety net riggers assemble, install, position and secure safety nets for a variety of construction projects.
Sales advisors are responsible for the on-site property sales process.
Scaffolders erect and dismantle temporary metal structures, usually around buildings, which allow other construction trades to carry out their jobs safely.
Sealant applicators seal joints to ensure a building is airtight and waterproof. As a sealant applicator, you could be sealing door and window frames, building facades, or baths and sinks. You could also be carrying out structural bonding, such as glass to glass seals.
Self-employed contractors or sub-contractors run his or her own construction business.
Senior managers are responsible for leading teams of people working on all kinds of construction projects. As the boss, he or she comes up with strategies for getting jobs done efficiently, then makes sure people follow them.
Senior materials engineers ensure compliance with specifications.
Setting out engineers use sites plans, technology and precision instruments to pinpoint and mark structural features above and below ground before construction work begins. They use clear markers to indicate where structures are going to be installed, including access roads, foundations, gas, electricity and water facilities, and drainage systems. They ensure that workers on the site adhere to these markers.
SHEQ advisors provide advice and guidance on all health and safety, environment and quality matters across an organisation.
Shopfitters transform the interiors of offices, shops, restaurants, bars and more. They create plans, then make and install fittings to enhance our experience of a space. As a shopfitter, you’ll be ripping out the old and refitting the new. You could be overseeing builds and working with a range of materials to bring an area to life.
Shunter drivers are responsible for the safe on-site movement of heavy vehicles.
Site engineers/technicians look after the technical, organising and supervising side of construction projects – from new housing to multi-million pound roads and railways.
Site inspectors monitor all work carried out on a construction site to ensure safety and standards are upheld.
Site managers organise work on building sites, making sure it’s completed safely, on time and within budget. As a site manager, no two days will ever be the same. You’ll liaise with architects, surveyors and builders to ensure a project is on track and there are enough staff, machinery and materials to get the job done.
Sprayed concrete lining tunnel operatives line tunnels with concrete sprayed from purpose-built equipment.
Steel erectors create the strong skeleton of a building or temporary structure by installing and fixing together steel girders, pipework and beams.
Steel fixers use steel bars and mesh in reinforced concrete to strengthen buildings and other big structures.
Steeplejacks tackle building and repair work that needs to be done high above the ground.
Stonemasons cut and prepare stone to build or repair stone structures. These may include homes, historical buildings, monuments, headstones and statues. Stonemasons may also use a range of other natural materials, such as granite and quartz.
Structural engineers ensure structures can withstand the stresses and pressures imposed by use and the environment. They calculate stability, strength and rigidity and make sure the right materials are used for each project, whether it is a new-build, conversion or renovation. As a structural engineer, you could work on residential projects, shops and offices, bridges and offshore rigs, theatres, museums and hospitals, or even space satellites.
Technician structural engineers are a key part of the design and construction team, working alongside a wider design and construction team.
Surveyors provide professional advice on a range of construction-related matters. They could be ensuring that new-build properties are built to regulations and specifications; advising on maintenance and repair of existing structures or assessing damage for legal and insurance purposes. Many surveyors specialise in one area as the role carries many responsibilities.
Surveyors in remedial treatments visit sites to determine the level of any damage to best advise how to remedy it.
Sustainability managers/co-ordinators oversee the implementation of sustainability strategies during a project.
Sustainability specialists are concerned with environmental impacts.
A town planner manages the development of cities, towns and countryside.
Principal planners take a lead role in protecting and shaping our cities, towns and countryside.
Traffic safety and control officers make important decisions on how best to design the layout and management of traffic.
Traffic technical officers guide traffic management processes and road safety improvements.
Transport managers are responsible for ensuring that the legal requirements for road haulage are met.
Transport modellers use specialist computer software to help with the design and development of transport models to forecast future usage, meaning potential problems can be predicted and avoided in advance.
Tunnelling operatives build the underground tunnels needed for services such as rail lines and water works.
Tunnelling section engineers plan and programme works for a range of tunnelling section projects.
Tunnelling ventilation engineers plan, design and enable ventilation systems in tunnelling projects.
Wall and floor tilers cover walls, floors and surfaces with tiles.
Welding engineers work on the design, maintenance and development of a wide range of welding systems and equipment.
Welder fabricators cut and join metal and other materials into a wide range of structures for use throughout the built environment.
Wood machinists are key members of the joinery team. Wood machinists need to understand wood as a material, and how to get the best from it.