This month, we’re sponsoring The Skills Show, the biggest skills and careers event in the UK. Attracting employers and organisations from all industries, the event is a fantastic opportunity to meet the next generation’s workforce and talk to construction’s future recruits.
Contributing nearly £90 billion every year to the UK’s economy, the construction industry offers some of the best career opportunities out there. Whether you fancy getting your hands dirty out on site, or prefer to operate behind the scenes – the industry is screaming out for fresh talent. Still not convinced? Here are 10 reasons why you should consider a career in construction.
1. There are jobs
The UK construction sector is currently experiencing a skills shortage, but that’s great news for those considering a career in this area. With 73 per cent of construction firms in need of highly skilled workers[1], employers are crying out for smart, skilled people. And, with a pledge from the Government for three million more apprenticeships by 2020[2], there are opportunities at every level.
2. There’s something for everyone
Not only are there lots of jobs, there are lots of different types of jobs. From bricklayers and plasterers, to engineers and surveyors – there’s something to suit everyone’s individual strengths and interests. And the entry-routes vary too, while some decide to learn the ropes at university others prefer to jump right in as an on-site apprentice.
3. You won’t be bored
It might be a cliché, but really no two days are the same. Not only is every project different, construction workers are often required to adapt quickly to industry change. Whether it’s new legislation or the latest consumer trends, working in construction definitely keeps you on your toes.
4. You’ll make friends for life
Working in the built environment means you’ll spend a lot of your time in a team, overcoming challenges, fixing problems and building strong bonds. For most people in construction, this is one of the things they enjoy most about their job – working closely with friends to get the job done.
5. It’s a valuable business
The global construction industry is worth almost $10 trillion and, according to the latest figures, construction outputs are set to soar in the next 15 years[3], so it’s a great time to get on
board. You’ll be part of a thriving industry with loads of opportunities to get your hands on. What’s more, the demand for skilled workers is driving up wages, with average salaries for surveyors, architects, engineers and site managers reportedly increasing by four times the cost of living[4].
6. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger
Working in construction means you can go beyond the nine-to-five, impacting the world we live in every day. Whether you’re tackling the UK’s housing crisis, improving the world’s infrastructure or adding to a city’s skyline – a career in construction means you get to shape the world we live in.
7. You’ll get immediate results
One of the most satisfying things about working in the built environment is seeing immediate results from the work you put in. At the end of each day, you’ll be able to view the progress you and your team have made – putting your stamp on the world by helping to create something that wasn’t there the day before. What’s more rewarding than that?
8. There are gadgets galore
Technology is constantly transforming the world of construction, streamlining processes and reinventing the way people work. If you want to be at the forefront of new developments, testing out the latest machines, smartest gadgets and newest software then it’s a really exciting industry.
9. You can travel the world
No matter where you live, the world is always developing as buildings come and go and our built landscape changes. This means that those who pursue a career in the construction industry have the freedom to choose their own path as their skills will be in demand across the globe.
10. You can be your own boss
It’s not for everyone, but lots of people want the opportunity to work for themselves. They thrive off making their own decisions, managing their own workloads and, often, managing other people too. With construction outputs on the up, this is great news for those who fancy going it alone and setting up their own businesses.
[1] http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2015/07/13/construction-facing-higher-level-skills-crisis/
[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-unveils-plans-to-boost-apprenticeships-and-transform-training
[3] http://www.building.co.uk/global-construction-to-grow-85-by-2030/5078595.article
[4] http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-2826686/Skilled-workers-pay-soars-four-times-faster-inflation-Construction-industry-leading-way-ending-squeeze-salaries.html
