How to Get a Career in Construction Management

Without a doubt construction remains one of the most vibrant industries on the planet. It is far bigger than many people think, and includes careers for architects, designers, engineers, project managers and even health & safety officials within its remit. There are so many different ways to become a professional worker in construction.

In the main people have three category levels to choose from when considering careers within the Construction Industry.

First there are unskilled and semi skilled workers who have very little certification and represent the bulk of the on-site workforce. 'Skilled labour' often relates to the On-Site managers or Foremen who have extensive knowledge and experience of their profession.

Lastly, there are the more senior technical structures and management roles. 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.

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Construction Sectors & Training Frameworks

Within the UK, the skilled occupations require Further Education qualifications - often in a vocational subject. These skills can either be gained through working apprenticeships or via one of the dedicated colleges. In the United Kingdom during 2007, there were over 8,000 training positions started in construction alone. Today, as well as the eighteen thousand or so people being trained in construction, there are well over six hundred thousand people working in the industry.

It's widely recognised in the industry that there are three types of construction. They all take a range of skills to complete each assignment, though some overlap with each other.

The first is Building Construction. This is mainly concerned with extending existing property. The vast majority are small-scale projects such as renovations. Civil and Heavy Construction is the second type of construction between Building and Industrial. Finally we have a smaller sector at the top of the scale that deals with industrial construction. The owners of these large-scale projects are usually vast for-profit, industrial corporations.

As you go through the list from Building Construction to Industrial Construction, the size of the job increases massively. The scope of the projects range from a few hundred pounds for small building work through to a few million or even billion pounds to complete two year industrial projects. Let's now get an overview of some of the professionals who work in the industry:

Quantity Surveyors

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

For a career in structural engineering, you need a vocational qualification (NVQ) in an engineering or construction related subject, or a structural engineering degree. 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.

Architecture

Architectural students must be prepared for a lengthy training process, which includes a university degree and post-grad study and work. Architects work closely with other construction professionals, such as engineers, quantity surveyors and the other specialists referred to above.

Civil Engineer

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.

New university graduates are usually expected to hold a Master's Degree to become Chartered. Graduates can become Incorporated Engineers through Bachelor Degree status.

Building Services Engineers

This is another way of saying Mechanical or Electrical Engineers. For this type of position it is customary for people to have a suitable degree e.g. in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Chartered Engineer status is usually governed by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.

Project Manager

Project Managers have often worked in construction in various roles before specialising and training in specific PM disciplines (such as PMBOK). Engineers and surveyors often make good project managers.