All You Need to Know About Jobs in Construction

GCSE Results Day 2023 has marked the start of many new journeys. Your future lies ahead of you and it's the perfect time to consider your options. If the A-level to university route isn't appealing to you, how about diving into the world of construction apprenticeships? This alternative path provides valuable hands-on experience while allowing you to earn a salary.

Benefits of Working in Construction

A career in construction can bring numerous advantages, particularly in the current climate, where skilled tradespeople are in high demand. Today's construction workers can expect a comfortable level of job security and a pretty good starting salary. Although the workload is often heavier than a typical 9-5 job, those who enjoy flexibility and hands-on work will find it a great career choice.

Job Security	Construction is a fundamental industry, and there is often a consistent demand for new infrastructure, buildings, and renovations. This can lead to more job security compared to industries that might be more susceptible to economic fluctuations.
Variety of Roles	The construction industry offers a wide variety of roles, from skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, to engineering, project management, architecture, and more. This variety can provide opportunities for people with different skills and interests.
Skill Development	Working in construction allows individuals to develop valuable skills, whether it's learning how to operate heavy machinery, mastering carpentry techniques, or understanding complex architectural and engineering concepts.
Hands-On Work	If you enjoy hands-on work and seeing tangible results from your efforts, construction can be very rewarding. You get to see your work come to life as buildings are constructed.
Career Progression	Starting as an entry-level worker in construction doesn't mean you're limited to that role. With dedication and skill development, you can climb the ladder to higher-paying positions, such as foreman, project manager, or even starting your own construction business.
Salary Potential	Skilled construction workers often have the potential to earn competitive salaries, especially as they gain experience and expertise. Certain specialised roles, like welders or heavy equipment operators, can command higher wages due to the demand for their skills.
Job Mobility	Construction skills are often transferable across different projects, industries, and even geographic locations. This mobility can be advantageous if you're looking for work opportunities in different areas.
Teamwork and Collaboration	Construction projects require collaboration among various professionals, from architects and engineers to construction workers and project managers. This fosters a sense of teamwork and the opportunity to learn from others in different roles.

Highest Paying Jobs in Construction

Whether you want a hands-on role or are more interested in managerial positions off-site, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a job within the construction industry, so you can feel confident finding an area of expertise well-suited to your skills, interests and lifestyle. Of course, the salary that comes with the job could play a small to significant role in deciding what path you choose to take; specialised jobs earn more but may have higher barriers to entry, whereas less-skilled jobs can offer a great gateway for those just starting up within the industry.

Let’s take a look at ten of the highest-paying construction jobs that you can get without necessarily holding a university degree. These are based on the national average salary for an entry level position*:

10. Gas Engineer - £26,145

What they do: Gas engineers are entrusted with making steam boilers, vats and other items needed to hold liquids and gasses. Once the items are constructed, gas engineers are also entrusted with installing, maintaining and testing the boilers to ensure safety standards are met, the parts are in good condition and the components aren’t malfunctioning.
Where they work: Gas engineers mostly work in factory settings, for construction companies or for any other industry that’s in need of water under pressure.
How to become one: There are two main routes to becoming a Gas engineer, neither of which call for a university degree; you can either complete an apprenticeship or take on a course in metalwork.

9. Plumber - £28,957

What they do: Once trained up, plumbers install and repair plumbing and pipes within buildings. These repairs and installations are often on plumbing fixtures that manage draining, drinking water and sewage, or it might be relocating chemicals, gasses and liquids. Plumbers are also often called out to inspect utilities such as showers, sinks and toilets to ensure that they’re in top condition, and, if they’re not, make repairs where necessary.
Where they work: Plumbers often work on manufacturing, construction and industrial sites to install and maintain plumbing fixtures.
How to become one: To become a plumber, you can either study a course in plumbing or invest in an apprenticeship scheme.

8. Bricklayer - £30,306

What they do: Bricklayers’ expertise to shape and use brick, blocks and concrete to build and repair everything from patios and walls, to more domestic locations such as patios and fireplaces. Bricklayers will have to read and understand blueprints and drawings to ensure they’re working within contractors' requirements when constructing both commercial and residential buildings.
Where they work: Bricklayers frequently collaborate with contractors who provide them with the necessary task specifications.
How to become one: The majority of bricklayers receive their training through apprenticeships or via vocational schools.

7. Lift Engineer - £30,597

What they do: Also known as lift technicians, these experts install and maintain lift systems in buildings, though they also work on escalators, moving walkways and chair lifts. It is their job to ensure everything is in top condition and complies with government safety regulations.
Where they work: Most lift engineer job opportunities can be found at large companies whose function is to service multi-story buildings. However, many jobs will have to be completed within small, enclosed areas, such as shafts and machine rooms, so if you suffer from claustrophobia you may want to opt for another option.
How to become one: To become a lift engineer, you can either take a specialised engineering course or take up an apprenticeship with a lift engineering or maintenance firm.

6. Electrician - £32,187

What they do: Electricians are responsible for the installation and maintenance of wiring systems in homes, buildings and factories, though they also take on any lighting systems, electronic controls or wiring fixtures that need to be repaired or replaced. Electricians need to be able to read and understand complex technical diagrams and electrical blueprints to complete their job, before utilising testing devices to identify the source of any electrical malfunctions and troubleshoot issues.
Where they work: Electricians can be hired in a multitude of different industries, including building equipment contractors and building services, to factories and manufacturing plants for more industrial technicians.
How to become one: You can receive training to become an electrician through apprenticeship schemes or by obtaining a diploma certificate.

5. HVAC Technician - £34,955

What they do: The primary responsibilities of a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technician are to install, maintain and repair ventilation, refrigeration, cooling and heating systems in order to control the air temperature and quality within a building. Your primary duties will often depend on your specific industry and speciality, though all will require you to study blueprints to ensure that government rules and regulations are being correctly adhered to. Most HVAC techs oversee and install new systems, as well as test electrical circuits, tubing joints and pipes for leaks or repairing their defective parts.
Where they work: HVAC technicians are often employed in commercial and system design industries or can work for regulatory services.
How to become one: You have the option to pursue a career as an HVAC technician through apprenticeships, specialised certificates or diplomas.

4. Welder - £35,467

What they do: The main duties of an ironworker are to weld, grind and cut metals such as iron and steel; these items will then be used to help construct buildings, bridges, roads and other fixtures. As well as fortifying already-existing structures to aid the demolition of buildings, ironworkers often work alongside large equipment such as cranes, where they will be entrusted to use to position and lift heavy objects into the correct place.
Where they work: Welders can be found working in factories, steel mills and utility plants.
How to become one: You can train to be an ironworker through an apprenticeship scheme.

3. Carpenter - £39,485

What they do: Carpenters are responsible for many different tasks, including constructing, remodelling and fixing wooden structures, such as counters, stairways, door frames and floors. Once trained, carpenters will be able to cut, shape and precisely measure a variety of different materials (e.g. fibreglass, plastic, wood and drywall). Like many other jobs within the construction industry, carpenters are expected to be able to effectively read building plans and blueprints, as well as ensure their drawings and drafts are easy for an employer to comprehend.
Where they work: Industries that commonly employ carpenters include architectural firms, engineering firms and contracting companies.
How to become one: Becoming a carpenter doesn't require specific qualifications, yet many employers seek candidates with practical carpentry experience. You can acquire this by enrolling in a carpentry course or embarking on an apprenticeship.

2. Painter & Decorator - £40,367

What they do: The job of a painter is not just to apply paint to surfaces for commercial and residential buildings; painters are also tasked with protecting the surrounding area from unwanted paint, preparing the surfaces themselves, matching colours and mixing the paints. Painters are also expected to clean the paint at the end, repairing any cracked holes or removing cracked, old paint. As well as the practical side of the job, painters are often the ones negotiating and quoting project prices with clients, as well as closely communicating with them to ensure the desired result is achieved.
Where they work: An industrial painter specialises in providing painting services to industries such as construction and manufacturing.
How to become one: No specific qualification is necessary to pursue a career as a painter, although painting experience obtained through an apprenticeship is beneficial.

1. Construction Manager - £52,944

What they do: Also referred to as project managers, these are the people responsible for overseeing and coordinating the details of a construction project. Construction managers are in charge of setting deadlines and budgets and then ensuring the project doesn’t surpass its set timeframe and given budget. Their projects can be in both residential and commercial buildings, such as homes, factories, bridges and roads.
Where they work: Construction managers can be hired in any area of construction, though many are self-employed.
How to become one: To become a construction manager, you can either go through an apprenticeship or a university course.

Remember, what job you choose will be based on a personalised blend of your skills, education and interests.

*Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed salaries at the time of writing (20/12/23). Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.