....you really can, with a career in construction. Whether you’re artistic, a problem solver, a born leader or good with you r hands there’s a construction career path for you.
You’ll be part of something that changes the way people live – from building
new communities to creating structures that excite and inspire.
There are three main pathways to a construction career – an Apprenticeship,
a technical support role or a graduate entry position. At bconstructive.co.uk you’ll find more case studies, job descriptions and a run down on all the qualifications; everything you need to understand the different pathways to a construction career.
Here’s just a little taster of what you could be doing.
Profile 1
Bricklayer
Shameen azmutally,aged 24
qualification: nvq level 2 in trowel occupations.
What encouraged you to join the construction industry?
I went to university, but i wanted to do something different. I love being outside and hands on in my work. My parents encouraged me to take my a levels and then go on to university, but i just didn't want an office job, i really wasn't enjoying it. So i found the bconstructive website and applied for an apprenticeship! It all happened really quickly and now i'm working outside, keeping fit and really enjoying it!
Good bits about your job?
It's great being outside - especially at the moment i'm enjoying all the sunshine - but if it's raining you get sent home, so you never have to work in terrible conditions. Another thing is that you start early and you finish early, so you have your evenings to yourself. It keeps me really fit and once you reach a certain standard it's a skill you'll have for life - no one can take that away from you.
What advice would you give about getting into bricklaying?
Go for it, what other jobs do you know that keep you fit, where you get to work outside, it's highly skilled and creative! There will always be jobs in construction too!
What does the future hold for you?
I've been in discussions with my employer about qualifying as a quantity surveyor, which i think would be interesting, but i want to gain some site experience first. There are other management opportunities, they're crying out for site managers with practical knowledge of the job or i could go into contracts management.
There are so many options within the construction industry and they will always need new people coming through. But i think that wherever i go in the future my site experience will definitely help!
Profile 2
 Land surveyor
Erik kodjie mrics,
aged 27
Erik is a chartered geomatic surveyor working for balfour beatty rail projects in london. Erik's career has taken him from the yuvacik dam in turkey to the depths of the london underground system
what qualifications do you have?
I studied a-levels in maths, physics and chemistry and then went to nottingham trent university to take a degree in engineering surveying. Last year i qualified for my apc (assessment of professional competence) which means i am a chartered surveyor. The apc helped broaden my knowledge of subjects such as contract law and as a result i'm more aware of both client and contractual needs and my responsibilities as a surveyor.
I've also attended various training courses on the latest surveying software, including a week's laser scanning training in san francisco. The courses help keep me up to date with new techniques, technology and legislation.
How did you become interested in surveying?
I first heard about surveying and civil engineering through an uncle who works in ghana. He always has a good story to tell and it's usually tied in to his job - where he's been travelling, who he's met and the latest project in hand. His life is full of adventure and challenge and he rarely seems to spend a day in the office.
What projects have you been involved with?
I've surveyed a reservoir for defects in turkey. I've also been responsible for providing 3d data and imagery for a laser scanning project of the entire caledonian road tube station. I worked with the design team using various data capture techniques and applications and produced internal and external plans for the tube station's future development. On another project, i planned and managed the in-house teams and external contractors to provide survey information for a 9km pipeline through east london and to east ham pumping station.
What are your career ambitions?
I hope to combine my career with my love of travelling and work on a variety of projects in a number of different countries. I hope to be able to apply all the skills and knowledge that i have learnt and be able to manage major engineering projects all around the world.
Imagine where a career in construction could take you.
Visit www.bconstructive.co.uk to discover a world of information.
So, how will you make your mark?
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