CareerChangeCourses.co.uk

Construction Careers & Civil Engineering University Programs

In today's global market construction still sits as one of the leaders in industry. Modern construction utilises Planning, Architecture, Health and Safety and Green Engineering in its workflow as well as actual Building skill-sets. Naturally such diversity means there are various training paths leading to all the different roles.

Work covers three broad skill ranks, which each have a number of roles. "Unskilled" and "Semi-Skilled" workers have little or no formal credentials, but generally make up the bulk of the on-site workforce.

Skilled workers come next - they're often foremen or works managers who have a reasonable amount of experience and knowledge of their business. At the top of the scale we have the careers relating to more senior management and technical staff.

Due to the fact that these people hold the highest qualifications in this sector they are the ones who manage, plan, design and train the construction methods. 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.

An Overview to Construction Training

In the United Kingdom, further education certifications are deemed a must-have for those in a skilled occupation. Most trainees gain their skills through a combination of technical college training and work experience. Within the UK over eight thousand apprenticeships in construction started in two thousand and seven alone. As of last year, there were over 600,000 people employed throughout the construction industry with 18,000 students being trained.

It's widely recognised in the industry that there are three types of construction. Each has a fairly unique team to plan, design, construct and maintain the relative project.

The first is Building Construction. Fundamentally this is the process of adding to and enhancing domestic properties. The vast majority are small-scale projects such as renovations.

Next come those construction companies that get involved in heavy (civil) commercial building projects.

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.

A greater range of skills and professions are needed to complete the civil and industrial construction projects. Householders sometimes spend several thousand on an extension, but conglomerates can spend hundreds of millions on a really major project. We can take a look at some of the professions that work in construction -

Civil Engineering

Usually Civil Engineers hold degree level qualifications in their subject matter. A prestigious element issued by the Institution of Civil Engineers is that of the Chartered Engineer. Typically graduates must hold qualifications such as the MEng in order to reach the chartered rank. With a three year BEng under your belt you could consider becoming an Incorporated Engineer.

Building Services Engineers

Another engineering discipline needed in construction is Building Services Engineering. A Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree is normally held by most applicants to this post. Building Services Engineers can join the CIBSE in the UK. There are eight grades of membership, depending on experience and qualifications.

Project Managers

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 Surveying

Quantity Surveyors can enter the industry at graduate level. More professional training (along with time spent in industry) can be gained from RICS, the industry body for standards and certifications.

Structural Engineer

Undergraduates looking to apply to university to take a structural engineering degree should have A levels in maths, physics and/or other sciences. There are various membership levels should you wish to join the Institute of Structural Engineers, which reflect the diversity of recognised academic qualifications around the world.

Architect

Entry in architecture is unlikely without a degree, and indeed practical supervised experience along with university studies will take approximately 7 years. 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.