FindingANewCareer.co.uk

Construction Careers & Architecture College Programs

In today's global market construction still sits as one of the leaders in industry. Modern construction utilises Planning, Architecture, Health and Safety and Green Engineering in its workflow as well as actual Building skill-sets. With so much choice within the industry, the right qualifications are now very important.

Work covers three broad skill ranks, which each have a number of roles. A large number of on-site workers tend to be Un-skilled or Semi-skilled workers who haven't gone through lengthy training.

Skilled workers come next - they're often foremen or works managers who have a reasonable amount of experience and knowledge of their business.

And then there are those listed as Technicians and Managers. Individuals in this category will have trained and qualified at a more advanced level, and will take on greater responsibilities.

On this page you'll find links and adverts from a selection of training companies, so it could be worth your while to book-mark it (CTRL-D) so you can come back later to review your options.

Training In The Construction Sector

All skilled workers in Britain have to continue training after they've left school. These skills can either be gained through working apprenticeships or via one of the dedicated colleges. Within the UK over eight thousand apprenticeships in construction started in two thousand and seven alone. In addition to the 613,000 or so people within the construction trades in the UK during 2009 another 18,000 students were assigned to training programmes.

It's widely recognised in the industry that there are three types of construction. They're very different in nature and scope, and require distinctive skill-sets.

The first is Building Construction. Basically this is when structure is used to develop an older property. For example with the addition of rooms or renovation of bathrooms etc. Secondly, organisations that gain profit out of medium sized projects fall into the heavy or civil construction sector. Finally we have a smaller sector at the top of the scale that deals with industrial construction. Without a doubt profit is often behind the large scale ownership of these projects.

The Heavy/Civil and Industrial construction sectors primarily involve broader technical skills to finish each scheme. The scope of the projects range from a few hundred pounds for small building work through to a few million or even billion pounds to complete two year industrial projects. Next we'll cover a range of technical and specialised occupations in construction today -

Civil Engineering

It's usual for a civil engineer to have an appropriate university degree. In addition the Chartered Engineer certification can be obtained through the Institution of Civil Engineers. To qualify as a Chartered Engineer, a graduate must hold a Masters in Engineering. To reach Incorporated Engineer level you should have attained a Bachelor's Degree (BEng) first.

Building Services Engineers

B S Engineers are also known as M and E Engineers. You normally need to have a mechanical or electrical engineering degree to be considered for such a position. Those looking for accredited status as a competent and professional building services engineer should consider membership of the CIBSE.

Project Managers

Often it's by being qualified in either quantity surveying or civil engineering, along with a professional certification such as PRINCE 2 that these positions become available.

Quantity Surveyors

Quantity Surveyors can enter the industry at graduate level. With 2 years practical experience in a related field, you can complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and become a member of RICS - the profession's Royal Institute.

Structural Engineering

This type of work covers such areas as structural analysis, structural mechanics, foundation and structural design and material properties. Structures have to look pleasing, but structural engineers also have to calculate loads and stresses, and be confident the foundations and frameworks are sufficiently strong to be safe and effective.

Architects

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. To use the title of Architect, the individual must hold Chartered Status with the Royal Institute of British Architects, and be on the Architects Registration Board.