CareerAlternatives.co.uk

Careers in Construction & Architecture Degree Courses

Without a doubt construction remains one of the most vibrant industries on the planet. It builds from a wealth of skill sets which include Design, Architecture, Building Skills and Health & Safety factors. Many qualifications are globally recognised, but if you plan to work overseas, check before you spend time studying.

Basically, there are three tiers of careers within the construction industry. The least certified members of the workforce will be employed on building sites and are generally known as Unskilled and/or Semi Skilled.

'Skilled labour' often relates to the On-Site managers or Foremen who have extensive knowledge and experience of their profession. Finally, there are Technical and Management workers. The people who work in these professions are responsible for planning and executing complete projects.

By typing CTRL-D and book-marking this page you will be able to come back later on and check out the links and adverts to some of the training companies featured here.

An Overview to Construction Training

Within the UK, the skilled occupations require Further Education qualifications - often in a vocational subject. Once compulsory education in schools has been completed, students can either further their knowledge through training at work or by attending one of the prescribed colleges. Between 2006 and 2007 over 9,000 apprenticeships in construction were allocated in the United Kingdom. Two years on and that training number has increased to eighteen thousand.

There are three different sectors in the construction industry as a whole. The two commercial areas require similar trade and professional skill-sets, though each is unique in some ways.

Building construction is the first part of the review. Generally this is where a new structure is attached to a building. The vast majority are small-scale projects such as renovations. Profit centred organisations that work on medium sized projects come under the heavy construction category. Sitting at the top in terms of scale is industrial construction. Due to the size of the schemes the owners are often very large profit-based entities.

Going up the chain from building through to industrial construction, an ever wider variety of skill-sets are needed to complete each project. Householders sometimes spend several thousand on an extension, but conglomerates can spend hundreds of millions on a really major project.

Professional careers in the construction industry include the following:

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers typically need to be qualified with good civil engineering degrees. A prestigious element issued by the Institution of Civil Engineers is that of the Chartered Engineer. To achieve chartered status engineering graduates need to hold the four year MEng. With a three year BEng under your belt you could consider becoming an Incorporated Engineer.

Building Engineers

The construction industry also needs Building Services Engineers. A Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree is normally held by most applicants to this post. Graduating M and E Engineers can join the CIBSE at Graduate level to increase their contacts and networks of professionals.

Project Management

Many project managers come into the role through other engineering disciplines. With experience and on-going training in (e.g. in PMBOK or PRINCE 2) they can progress to very senior roles.

Quantity Surveying

Professional degree level qualifications are important in quantity surveying. Membership of RICS (the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) is for graduates who complete competence-based training and at least two years in industry.

Structural Engineers

Undergraduates looking to apply to university to take a structural engineering degree should have A levels in maths, physics and/or other sciences. The work is very exacting, as obviously high levels of safety and efficiency are prerequisites for structural engineers.

Architects

The standard entry route into the architectural profession takes at least seven years, and is a blend of academic and practical study and work. An architect is responsible for designing new buildings and the surrounding spaces. They have to work closely with their clients, fellow professionals, officials and users to ensure their work complies with everyone's needs.