New Opportunities With Construction Courses
Without a doubt construction remains one of the most vibrant industries on the planet. The industry encompasses disciplines such as design, architecture, engineering, management and building skills. With so much choice within the industry, the right qualifications are now very important.
In the construction industry there are three levels to consider. "Unskilled" and "Semi-Skilled" workers have little or no formal credentials, but generally make up the bulk of the on-site workforce. Foremen and Site Managers are known as "Skilled", mainly due to the level of technical skills they're qualified and experienced in.
At the top of the scale we have the careers relating to more senior management and technical staff. Individuals in this category will have trained and qualified at a more advanced level, and will take on greater responsibilities.
Bookmarking this page (a keyboard shortcut is Ctrl D) would help if you wanted to check out the links and adverts to a few training companies in this area.
The Basis for Training in the Construction Sector
Within the UK, the skilled occupations require Further Education qualifications - often in a vocational subject. These qualifications are either obtained directly through colleges, or through 'on the job' training. Within the UK over eight thousand apprenticeships in construction started in two thousand and seven alone. By 2009 over 600,000 workers were involved in the construction industry with 10,000 more people going through training than two years previously.
In the industry there are three standard construction sectors. They all focus on different areas of the market.
Building construction is the first part of the review. This is the process by which structural improvements are made to established buildings. 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. Very large businesses and corporations are often behind plans such as these.
The large industrial developments (and the bigger civil ones too) require very experienced professionals from many different backgrounds. Householders sometimes spend several thousand on an extension, but conglomerates can spend hundreds of millions on a really major project. Let's now get an overview of some of the professionals who work in the industry:
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineers typically need to be qualified with good civil engineering degrees. A respected accreditation is that of the Chartered Engineer status as offered through the Institute of Civil Engineers. New University Graduates however require a masters degree to acquire Chartered status. Those with Bachelor's Degrees may, as a result, become Incorporated Engineers.
Building Services Engineering
The construction industry also needs Building Services Engineers. Typically these people have Mechanical Engineering degrees or Electrical Engineering degrees. Chartered Engineer status is usually governed by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.
Structural Engineering
Anyone working as a structural engineer on major projects will have their say about the environment we live in. SE's often work alongside architects and designers on the construction of structures. The work is very exacting, as obviously high levels of safety and efficiency are prerequisites for structural engineers.
Project Management
These professionals are generally holders of a two or three year higher education certificate or degree. They may also have experience in Civil Engineering.
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.
Architect
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.
