What kind of construction jobs are there

Landscapers create and maintain gardens, parks and other outdoor and indoor areas. Mechanical engineering technicians design, install and repair industrial plant machinery and parts. Paint sprayers apply coatings and protective finishes to cars, vans, motorbikes and other vehicles. Painters and decorators apply paint, wallpaper and other finishes to the inside and outside of buildings.

Pipe fitters install industrial pipework, valves and pumps in factories, commercial premises and large buildings like power stations. Planning and development surveyors assess, design and manage development projects in towns, cities and rural areas. Plasterers apply plaster to walls and ceilings ready for decorating and finishing.

Plumbers fit and service hot and cold water systems, heating systems and drainage networks. Quantity surveyors oversee construction projects, managing risks and controlling costs. Quarry engineers explore new sites, oversee extraction operations and manage sites at the end of their commercial life.

Quarry workers dig out and process rock, slate, gravel and sand from quarries or mines. Refrigeration and air-conditioning installers work on air quality and cooling systems in buildings, storage and transport. Roofers re-slate and tile roofs, fit skylight windows and replace lead sheeting and cladding.

Rural surveyors value the assets of farms and estates, advise clients on legal and tax issues, and plan and develop land use. Scaffolders put up scaffolding on buildings and structures to let other workers do their jobs safely.

Shopfitters make and install fixtures and fittings in offices, restaurants, shops and bars. Steel erectors assemble the beams and girders that support the structure of buildings, stadiums, bridges and tunnels. Steel fixers install and tie together steel bars and mesh that is used to strengthen concrete on construction projects.

Steeplejacks carry out repairs on buildings and structures to make them safe. Stonemasons carve blocks of stone, and lay and fit stonework into place on construction projects. Structural engineers help to design and build large structures and buildings, like hospitals, sports stadiums and bridges.

Technical surveyors carry out tasks to support chartered surveyors, architects and engineers. Thatchers use traditional craft skills, materials and tools to replace and repair thatched roofs. Thermal insulation engineers install insulating materials around pipes, boilers and ductwork in factories and buildings. Tilers tile walls and floors in kitchens, bathrooms, shops and restaurants, using materials like ceramics, slate and marble. Town planners help shape the way towns and cities develop, and balance the demands on land with the needs of the community.

Town planning assistants process applications, give advice about regulations and carry out design work and office administration. Water network operatives look after the pipes, mains and pumping stations that supply homes, businesses and industry with water. Welders cut, join and shape metal plate, pipework and composite materials in the aerospace, construction and civil engineering industries.

Window fitters install windows, conservatories and glazed curtain walls in homes and businesses. Wood machinists cut and prepare timber for use in wood products.

Tell us whether you accept cookies We use cookies to collect information about how you use the National Careers Service. Accept all cookies. Set cookie preferences. Home: Explore careers Construction and trades. Construction and trades Acoustics consultant Acoustician, acoustics engineer Acoustics consultants help manage and control noise and vibrations in homes, workplaces and other environments. Architect Architects design new buildings and the spaces around them, and work on the restoration and conservation of existing buildings.

Architectural technician Architectural technicians work closely with architectural teams on the design process of building projects. Architectural technologist Building technologist Architectural technologists manage all stages of the technical design and planning process of building projects. Boat builder Marine craftsperson, shipwright Boat builders build, repair and refit marine craft from small sailing boats to large sea-going vessels.

Bricklayer Mason, brickie Bricklayers build houses, repair walls and chimneys, and refurbish decorative stonework. Builders' merchant Builders' merchants sell building and do-it-yourself products and materials to the building trade and the public. Building control officer Building control surveyor Building control officers make sure building regulations are followed.

Building services engineer Building services engineers design, fit and maintain the heating, lighting and power systems in offices, hospitals and shopping centres. Building site inspector Clerk of works, building site supervisor Building site inspectors check the quality and safety of construction work. Building surveyor Building surveyors advise clients about the design, construction, maintenance and repair of buildings. Building technician Building technicians support engineers, surveyors and architects on construction projects.

CAD technician Structural technician, BIM technician, digital design technician Computer-aided design CAD technicians use software to design structures, machinery, goods and components.

Carpenter Joiner, bench joiner Carpenters and joiners make and install wooden structures, fittings and furniture. Carpet fitter and floor layer Flooring fitter Carpet fitters and floor layers fit carpets and vinyl tiles, and lay laminate and solid timber floors. Cavity insulation installer Cavity wall installer Cavity insulation installers fit insulation, soundproofing materials and cladding in buildings. Ceiling fixer Ceiling fixers fit suspended ceilings in buildings to cover pipework, wiring, and heating and air conditioning systems.

Civil engineer Engineering consultant Civil engineers design and manage construction projects, from bridges and buildings to transport links and sports stadiums. Civil engineering technician Civil engineering technicians give technical support to engineers on construction projects. Commercial energy assessor Commercial energy assessors test how energy-efficient commercial buildings are and produce Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificates.

Excellent communication skills are also important, to ensure the office operates efficiently. There is huge scope for career progression as an administrator, in a variety of settings. Archaeologists increase our understanding of the human past by uncovering and protecting remains and artefacts. These are often uncovered on construction sites and archaeologists ensure they are preserved and can be added to the Historic Environment Records.

You could conduct initial research and exploratory excavations before construction starts to protect our cultural heritage. Architects creatively shape our environment by designing the buildings and spaces around us. They bring new structures to life and restore or renovate existing ones. Architectural technicians specialise in presenting building designs using technology. They provide technical guidance to clients and liaise with construction design teams to bring new structures to life.

Asbestos removal operatives safely remove materials found to contain asbestos. Asbestos is a mix of minerals made from microscopic fibres, traditionally used for insulation. It is now banned in the UK due to health risks but is still present in many buildings. As renovations are carried out, trained asbestos removal operatives will continue to be in demand. Asbestos surveyors inspect buildings and collect samples to determine the presence of asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral-based fibre which was once widely used for insulation, but is now banned due to health risks. Asbestos surveyors carry out tests and may recommend professional removal of dangerous materials before renovations or demolitions are carried out. This could include property, money, stocks, shares and bonds, commodities, equities and other financial products. Slinger signallers also have a role within factories, where modular buildings are constructed.

Bathroom fitters install all aspects of bathrooms including showers, baths, sinks, toilets and storage units. Many bathroom fitters work as a team, made up of specialists. So you could be removing old units, fitting new ones, laying floors, plastering or tiling walls, painting and decorating, plumbing or even doing electrical work. Bedroom fitters install bedroom furniture, including flat packs and bespoke build units.

You could be creating in-built wardrobes and storage units to transform a room or help your clients to make better use of their space. A bench joiner works offsite, cutting wood and timber to required lengths for building projects. A bid writer is responsible for preparing and writing the detailed commercial documents, such as pre-qualification questionnaires PQQs and tenders, that companies submit to win new contracts. It is a very important position within an organisation as it requires excellent organisational skills and is crucial for companies to win new contracts.

BIM Building Information Modelling coordinators are responsible for digital processes associated with the design and construction stages of a project. They ensure 3D models, drawings and structural data are hosted in one, accessible place and deliver project information model to clients.

As a BIM Manager, you will oversee the production of project information models which contain 3D visualisations that bring together data, drawings and schedules associated with the design and construction phase of a project. Bricklayers lay bricks, pre-cut stone and concrete blocks in mortar. They construct, extend and repair domestic and commercial buildings, and other structures such as foundations, walls, chimneys or decorative masonry work.

Bricklaying offers a real sense of achievement. A building control surveyor ensures that building regulations are followed on new build sites and projects. They may also be required to survey damaged or unstable structures to determine whether they can be repaired safely or need to be demolished. Building envelope specialists install and repair non-structural coverings to buildings using a variety of materials such as wood, glass and metal.

Building envelope design is a specialised area of architectural and engineering practice that draws from all areas of building science and indoor climate control. Building services engineers install, maintain, and often design the systems that make buildings safe, convenient and comfortable.

As a building services engineer, you could be installing or servicing equipment in buildings such as offices, hospitals or shopping centres. A building surveyor is responsible for advising clients about the design, construction, maintenance and repair of buildings. They survey buildings and then report on their findings and make recommendations. Building technicians assist with essential tasks around construction projects and building works.

As a building technician, you could be overseeing a range of tasks, from monitoring build progress, to negotiating with suppliers, preparing site plans and estimating costs. Business development managers are responsible for driving business growth within a company. They develop a network of contacts to attract new clients, research new market opportunities and oversee growth projects, making sales projections and forecasting revenue, in line with projected income.

Buyers in the construction industry procure all the materials required for building projects and ensure they are provided on time and within allocated budgets.

They play a vital role, as they ensure the profitability of business contracts, by purchasing the most cost-effective and appropriate materials for each job. A CAD technician uses computer software to create 2D or 3D design plans for buildings or structural civil engineering projects. This is career that involves creative flair as well as technical skills. Computer-aided design CAD operators use computer software to produce 2D and 3D drawings for construction and manufacturing projects.

As a CAD operator, you may be designing buildings, machinery or component parts. Carpentry is one of the oldest construction trades and is in high demand. As a carpenter you could be installing doors, floors and furniture in new builds, renovating or refitting existing structures, building sets for film and theatre companies and much more.

Carpet fitters lay carpets and vinyl floor coverings in homes and business premises. Cavity insulation installers fit insulation materials into buildings, such as damp proofing, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. Their work helps buildings to retain their heat and be more energy efficient. Ceiling fixers install suspended ceilings and hide and protect unsightly materials such as wiring, pipework, heating and air-conditioning systems.

They play a key role in transforming residential, commercial and industrial projects, or may specialise in renovations or maintaining heritage buildings. Chimney engineers install and maintain chimney and flue systems in accordance with current building legislation and regulations. As a chimney engineer, you will need to follow strict health and safety guidelines, as you may be working at height, with the support of a harness and protective gear.

Civil engineers plan, design and manage large construction projects. This could include bridges, buildings, transport links and other major structures. They use computer modelling software and data from surveys, tests and maps to create project blueprints. These plans advise contractors on the best course of action and help minimise environmental impact and risk. Civil engineering technicians give technical support to engineers on construction projects. They tend to specialise in one area of civil engineering, such as design, planning or logistics and may be involved in projects ranging from building bridges, to widening roads, or creating new infrastructure.

A clerk of works inspects the workmanship, quality and safety of work on construction sites and reports back to senior managers and clients. Commercial managers are responsible for the budget and keep on top of all the costs involved in large-scale construction projects. They source the services and resources needed, negotiating costs with other suppliers. They oversee projects and monitor plans to ensure deadlines are met, projects stay within budget and work is up to standard.

Compliance managers ensure that a business, its employees and its projects comply with all relevant regulations and specifications. This could include health and safety, environmental, legal or quality standards, as well as any ethical policies the company may have. Concrete finishers spread and level poured concrete to create smooth finishes for surfaces like roads, pavements, floors and curbs, using a variety of specialist equipment.

As a concrete finisher, you may also use forms moulds to create concrete blocks for building projects. Construction directors are responsible for monitoring work on building projects. They ensure jobs are completed on time and within budget, to the standard expected of your company. Construction directors manage schedules of work and delegate tasks to senior colleagues and their teams, to ensure that each phase of the build is completed as planned.

Construction managers are responsible for the practical management and planning of every stage of a construction project. They ensure building projects are completed safely, within budget and on time. Construction team leaders work in supervisory roles and are generally in charge of a team working on a construction project.

As a construction team leader, you may specialise in overseeing a particular area of construction, relating to your previous skills and experience, such as bricklaying, roofing or another trade. A contracts manager in the construction industry manages contracts relating to building projects.

They study the legalities of contracts and help to negotiate terms and conditions with clients and third parties, before drawing up legal documents to outline terms of service and project deliverables. Conveyancing advisors are property lawyers who transfer ownership of property from one owner to another for either businesses or individuals.

They are responsible for ensuring titles to the property are transferred from seller to purchaser and advise on any legal issues with the property.

The job involves creating links between a business and the community, raising positive awareness of the organisation's commitment to sustainable social responsibility. Crane operators are responsible for lifting and moving materials around a construction site as safely and efficiently as possible. A crane supervisor is responsible for overseeing the movement of all lifting operations on a construction site to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the team.

As a damp proofer, you would prevent damp entering into buildings from the ground, and through walls and cracks. You could be installing damp-proof products and protecting bricks and timber. You may also repair structural damage and will need an understanding of drainage and ventilation systems.

Demolition operatives are part of a team to clear a site ready for a new construction project. Using anything from basic hand tools to larger plant and machinery, they strip out fittings, remove hazardous materials and salvage anything that can be reused, before demolishing or dismantling the unsafe or obsolete buildings and structures. A depot manager in the construction industry is responsible for managing building supplies and materials.

This includes managing goods coming in and out of depots, warehouses and factories, overseeing depot staff and monitoring stock levels to ensure all requirements and orders can be met.

Design managers coordinate all of the design work required during construction projects. They manage the production of technical drawings and plans used to build a structure. Design managers bring together architects, structural and service engineers, along with specialist designers and BIM technicians, to create coordinated designs which can be used during the build and aid maintenance of the structure once complete.

Diamond drilling operatives use specialist equipment to cut through the toughest materials on a building site, such as reinforced concrete. They could be called in to remove sections of roads or pavements, assist with demolitions or dismantle towers and bridges, whilst following strict health and safety guidelines. Document controllers maintain project documents.

They ensure that accurate information is distributed throughout an organisation, on time, to the people who need it. In the construction industry, document controllers work with technical documents like blueprints and reports. They sort and store electronic and hard copy documents for designers, surveyors, architects and other colleagues. Domestic energy assessors calculate the energy efficiency of homes, apartments and other domestic buildings.

A drainage engineer is responsible for designing systems that move water or sewage from one place to another, as safely and efficiently as possible. This can involve visiting sites to gain an understanding of project requirements, as well as designing and overseeing the installation of these systems.

A draught proofer ensures buildings are properly ventilated whilst also retaining heat. By ensuring no energy is being wasted in a building, through leaks from windows or external doors, they help to maintain efficient energy use, which has a positive effect on the environment. Dryliners create walls and rooms in buildings. They use plasterboard to hide pipes and wires, make space for insulation and smooth out uneven surfaces.

They can build suspended ceilings, raised floors, and provide specialist soundproofing. The role involves measuring, cutting and attaching plasterboard fixing , and sealing over joints between boards to smooth the edges finishing. Ecologists study the relationship between plants, animals and the environment. They look at how animals and plants inhabit a particular environment, and report on the likely impact of any proposed construction works.

Depending on the job in hand, they could spend time working outdoors, at a university, in an office or in a laboratory. Economists study complex data and statistics and use their findings to provide financial advice to businesses. Employers depend on economists to advise them on the potential impact of policies and investments. Electrical distribution workers are responsible for the maintenance of power lines that connect buildings to the national grid. Electrical engineers design, develop and maintain electrical systems for buildings, transport systems and power distribution networks.

They work in and across many industries, such as construction, transport, energy including renewables , building services, and manufacturing. Electrical engineers need a good understanding of engineering science, and strong maths and computer skills.

Electrical project managers oversee the installation of electrical systems and supply of electricity to homes, businesses and infrastructure, such as roads or power stations. Electrical testers survey, test and inspect electrical installations in homes and businesses. They identify faults and complete test reports to confirm which equipment is working safely and efficiently and which are condemned as unsafe to use.

Electricians provide buildings with energy to light rooms, heat water and power devices. They install, inspect and test electrical equipment, making sure it is working properly and safely. As an electrician, you could be maintaining traditional systems in homes, shops and offices. Some electricians work with renewable technology or fibre-optics. Others service motors, transformers, street lighting or traffic systems, or work on engineering projects. Energy managers ensure organisations meet their energy, carbon and water reduction responsibilities.

Environmental advisors ensure that construction projects comply with environmental regulations and targets. Cement and concrete finishers are responsible to pour, smooth, and finish surfaces such as walkways, roads, curbs, walls, etc. They accomplish this by using an assortment of hand tools and power tools. Check out this free course on concrete consolidation to learn more about the type of skills needed as a finisher:.

Source: Payscale. Dredging is the process of removing debris and sediment from the bottom of water bodies lakes, rivers, etc.

As time progresses, sand, silt, and debris tend to watch downstream in channels of water, and needs to be removed. Unless you have previous experience installing EIFS, craftsmen begin as laborers, working as an assistant to the craftsman and learning the EIFS systems. An electrician specializes in electrical wiring in buildings and equipment. They work on everything from new construction projects new homes, commercial projects, etc.

Additionally they can install air conditioning and often telecommunications systems. This title covers a lot of various positions. An elevator mechanic is responsible for installing and repairing vertical lift and transporting equipment, along with moving walkways and escalators.

Construction estimators determine the estimated costs for a construction company to complete a project for a client. The company uses these cost estimates to establish their pricing or bids for the projects that they are competing for.

A Flooring Installer or Flooring Contractor installs different types of flooring and floor covering in both residential and commercial buildings. They work with different product types including carpeting, vinyl and tile. They may also work with unique specialty products including ceramic tile, concrete or wood flooring.

A construction foreman is responsible to lead a team or crew in completing a construction project. Sources: Payscale. Glaziers install glass in windows. HVAC Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers are responsible to repair, install, and maintain heating, cooling, and ventilation systems used in buildings to control air temperature and quality.

Insulation workers or, insulation installers install and replace insulation materials used in buildings to control and manage the temperature. It can be an indoor and outdoor job, depending on the project. They apply all insulating materials, protective coverings, coatings and finishes to all types of mechanical systems. An iron-worker or steel erector, or structural iron worker are responsible for building or tearing down structural iron and steel frames.

This metal is often used in various kinds of buildings, as well as bridges and roads. A laborer is someone who performs physical labor and various tasks to assist other trades positions. Laborers can help clean up job site debris, carry equipment, etc.

A similar but separate position is that of Landscape Architects — responsible for designing parks, and other outside spaces. A landscape architect may require a bachelors degree. A mason is someone who is skilled in using brick, block, stone, concrete, and natural stone to form walls, walkways, patios, surfaces, and more. Other titles or positions would include:.

Millwrights are responsible for installing, tearing down, or moving heavy machinery and equipment as specified on blueprints or various drawings.

A painter can be either commercial, or residential. That means some focus on painting on a large-scale office buildings, store-fronts, managed properties, etc. A pile driver is a machine used for driving piles poles into the ground. This position requires operation of that machine, usually while the machine is mounted on anything from skids to barges, and more.