The Best Careers in the Construction Industry

Construction industry careers aren’t always thought of as ambitious or glamourous but did you know that some can lead to six figure salaries? In fact, even entry-level construction jobs are often in excess of the minimum wage depending on where you work.

In this article we’ll be talking about all the benefits of working in construction, why it can be such a lucrative industry, and what you should consider before starting your construction career path.

The Benefits of Working in Construction

The benefits of working in construction go far beyond just money. Construction industry jobs are often in high demand, particularly roles such as electrician and plumber which require specialised training and qualifications.

Furthermore, construction isn’t a job that can easily be automated away. Even with the best tools and equipment in the world, there are jobs for which you need a skilled individual who knows what they’re doing.

So if you’re looking for a career that’ll be safe from the trends of the job market, then construction is a great place to be.

The Best Careers in the Construction Industry

When people think of construction industry careers, they often picture hard hats, muddy boots, and long days on the site. While that’s true for some roles, the industry is far broader than most realise. Many careers in the construction industry involve planning, management, design, and technology. Some lead to senior salaries, international travel and the chance to work on major infrastructure projects.

Electricians and plumbers remain two of the most in-demand trades, largely because – as we mentioned before – these jobs simply can’t be automated. Furthermore they offer clear progression routes from junior site work through to advanced qualifications that lead to higher salaries and even self-employment.

And it’s not just traditional trades either. Quantity surveyors handle the financial planning of projects, ensuring that every stage remains on budget. If you’re interested in construction but don’t fancy long hours in the cold and rain, then this could be the perfect role for you.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you love the idea of being out in all weather, up and down the country, then you might consider a career in civil engineering. Civil engineers design and oversee the infrastructure that keeps the UK running. From bridges and tunnels to transport networks and water systems, if you have strong leadership skills and don’t mind working on the management side of things, then civil engineering will be a very rewarding construction career path.

How to Get into Construction

Of course, no matter which role you’re looking for, you’ll need to gain the skills and qualifications. So let’s talk about apprenticeships and entry-level roles.

First of all, it’s important to note that it’s perfectly possible to break into the construction sector without formal qualifications. In fact, many people begin their careers just this way. That said, if you want to find a construction job with no experience then you’ll need to be reliable, physically fit, and able to work in a team.

One of the nice things about construction – compared to other industries – is that there’s often lots of work for the rookies. Even if you’re not trained to operate machinery yet, there’s always a certain level of lifting and shifting required. If you can listen carefully and follow instructions then you’ll already be proving your worth.

Whether through an official apprenticeship or via the natural mentoring that comes with an entry-level role, you’ll be expected to learn from example. In practice this means that most successful apprentices are those who know how to listen and learn. In fact, many experienced teams would rather have an inexperienced but dedicated newbie than someone who doesn’t know how to take instruction. It really is the most valuable skill you can bring to the table.

With all that said, it does also help to learn specific skills. While you can find entry-level roles as a general labourer that will teach a lot of important information, if you’re looking for a faster path into the industry, apprenticeships are your best way to go.