What’s happening in this industry?
You may have heard that there are difficulties in the construction industry at the moment due to the economic downturn we are experiencing. According to Construction Skills, we'll now need half of the predicted number of new jobs each year and although this may mean that there are fewer jobs locally, the situation won't last forever and studying at a higher level will certainly put you in a good position for a job. So don't let this put you off a career in construction - they need you!
There's still a severe shortage of skilled labour, especially at the skilled trades level (for example carpenters and joiners, bricklayers, plumbing and heating engineers, and electricians). As older workers leave their jobs, younger people are needed to replace them and at the moment, there aren't enough people with the right skills.
Technology is developing quickly and this means that most jobs in areas such as plumbing, heating and ventilation, and electrical installation will only be open to those with at least a level 3 qualification. There will be more jobs at level 4 and fewer at level 2. Other areas that will see development are within the areas of renewable energy such as recycling grey water and solar power.
The biggest project underway at the moment for the construction industry in the UK is the 2012 Olympic Games which will require hundreds of workers.
Around the world
There are many opportunities to work abroad as the big civil and structural engineering companies have projects running around the world. Some of the more unlikely places where new opportunities are arising are South America, India, Russia and other former Soviet Union countries. This is often because some of the natural resources in those countries have yet to be put to use. There are also opportunities in Saudi Arabia where there are ongoing projects to build new hospitals, schools and factories.
Other opportunities to work overseas can, sadly, come from large disasters. For example, the tsunami of 2004 caused the destruction of villages, towns, roads and other infrastructures. This created an urgent need for experienced civil engineers and builders to help rebuild the areas affected.
The hours worked in other countries tend to be longer than in the UK.
Source: Prospects Graduate Careers Service
See the 'Notts info' section for what's happening locally.
