How to build a challenging yet rewarding career in booming construction industry

LOOKING for a challenging yet rewarding work future? Then consider a career in construction.

The industry employs more than two million people and accounts for six per cent of the UK economy, covering everything from housing to commercial properties and major infrastructure projects.

To help meet housebuilding and net zero targets, construction firms need 250,000 newer employees by 2027 — but outdated perceptions mean many people still overlook it as a career.

Now a new report from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) aims to showcase what construction offers and help build a more diverse workforce.

The New Face of Construction research reveals average construction earnings top £36,000 compared to £33,000 across all other sectors.

Increasing numbers of women are entering the industry and jobs range from degree apprenticeships to STEM (science, tech, engineering and maths) roles developing cutting-edge construction methods.

Caroline Gumble, CIOB chief executive, said: “We must take the lead in promoting construction as a viable career with strong financial and career growth prospects.

“Construction must be promoted as a sector in which people can make a positive difference, drive sustainability, improve their communities and leave a real legacy.” 

The UK’s leading building firms are also laying the foundations for career success by improving their training and apprenticeships.

Laing O’Rourke now offers 38 types of apprenticeships, from design and quantity surveying to data analytics, construction management and steel fixing.

Clare Allen, its head of future of work, said: “By pioneering modern, manufacturing-led methods of construction, we are starting to change perceptions and are confident it will help us attract a more diverse range of people to what is a really exciting industry to work in.”

EMILY Watson is a trainee construction manager working with engineering company Laing O’Rourke.

The firm is building Everton Football Club’s new stadium on Liverpool’s waterfront.

Emily, 20, said: “I’ve never been happier. I’m into football and a Man United fan, and my role on the Everton project is a great way to learn about things like design and logistics.

“I have done two years of a five-year apprenticeship, which combines practical training with university study.

“For those starting out, you need the right support on your career journey.

“Laing is helping me break the mould of getting more women into construction.”

COORS IS GAME ON

BEER firm Molson Coors has ditched CVs in favour of video-game-style tests for jobseekers.

The brewer, which makes brands including Carling, will use the tests to assess applicants’ potential for a role.

The move covers jobs in the firm’s HR division, pub sales and technical services teams.

The company, which employs more than 2,000 people in the UK, said it wants to recruit people for these roles based solely on potential, rather than experience, for a more inclusive recruitment process.

Phil Whitehead, managing director for the firm’s Western Europe division, said: “CVs simply aren’t necessary for all job roles.”

For details of vacancies see jobs.molsoncoors.com.

MATCH READY FOR CUP

WITH the Lionesses roaring to another victory, interest in the Women’s World Cup is huge.

But how do businesses manage their own teams while the tournament is on?

Acas chief executive Susan Clews says: “Staff should avoid getting a red card for unreasonable demands or behaviour in the workplace during this period.”

Here are her tips:

1. TIME OFF: Employers may consider being a little more flexible when allowing employees time off during this period and employees should remember it may not always be possible to book a holiday.
2. SICKNESS ABSENCE: Managers can remind staff that sickness and attendance policies still apply. Any unauthorised absence or late attendance could result in formal proceedings.
3. FLEXIBILITY: A more flexible working day is an option. Employees could start a little later or finish earlier then agree when to make time up.
4. FOLLOWING GAMES AT WORK: Employers could let staff take their break during match times, swap shifts or listen to the radio/watch TV at work. Be fair and consistent with all staff if you allow extra benefits during this time. Any change/flexibility should be approved before the event.
5. USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITES: There may be a rise in the use of social media or websites covering the matches. Employers should remind staff of any policies regarding this.

GOOGLE IN AI AID

AI TECHNOLOGY is expected to deliver a £400billion economic boost by 2030 and Google is offering free training to help us better understand how to use it.

The virtual course will help both individuals and businesses gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to use AI.

The ten easy-to-follow modules include Grow Your Productivity with AI, an introduction to AI tools, and Understanding Machine Learning.

Ruth Porat, CFO of Google, said: “Google’s new training is designed to equip everyone with AI skills so they can work more efficiently, grow their business or career, and help ensure the benefits of AI-powered growth are felt in every industry.”