The new year brings lots of new and exciting opportunities with many people finding themselves looking for a change in employment but not sure which avenue to take. Here at JT Atkinson & Sons we certainly know a thing or two about construction and construction workers as they are regulars in drinking us dry of tea and coffee. Not only are they avid hot drink consumers, they are also some of the happiest workers we know.
Construction contributes approximately £90 billion every year to the UK economy and the construction industry offers some of the best career opportunities out there. Whether you want to get stuck in and get your hands dirty, or if it’s a behind the scene role that is more your thing - the construction industry is screaming out for fresh talent. Do you still need more convincing that a career in construction is for you? Here are our 10 reasons why a career in construction is always a good idea.
#1 There is something for everyone
Construction is not just limited to builders, there really is something for everyone. From plasterers and bricklayers to engineers and surveyors - not matter what your skills, strengths and interests you’ll be bound to find something you will enjoy. There are many ways you can get into construction work, you can learn the ropes at university and college while others prefer to jump right in as an on-site apprentice or labourer.
#2 There are plenty of jobs available
The Government has reported that the UK construction sector is currently experiencing a skills shortage which is great for anyone looking to get into the construction sector. We have found that 73% of construction firms are in great need of highly skilled workers with bags of motivation and enthusiasm. The good news doesn’t stop there, the Government has pledged that we will see 3 million more apprenticeships by 2020. There are fantastic opportunities for young people looking to make a start in the construction industry.
#3 You can make a difference
Construction work means you can go beyond the 9-5 regime, impacting the world we live in every day. Whether you’re working alongside the Government by tackling the UK’s housing crisis, improving the world’s infrastructure or adding to your cities skyline - a career in construction means you can help shape the world we live in. In years to come you can look back and take great pride in saying “I did that, I helped make that happen”. It’s not just bricks and mortar it’s also the ability to change people’s lives.
#4 The opportunity to travel the world
No matter where you live and what time of the year it is, the world is constantly developing and changing. You’ll notice buildings come and go and our landscape forever changing. This is great news for construction workers as this means those in the industry have the freedom to choose where their career will take them as their skills will always be in demand across the globe.
#5 You won’t get bored
No two days are the same in the construction sector, you may have already heard that before and that's because it is true. Whilst on-site, the job constantly changes as work progresses meaning that you will need to adapt quickly to the tasks required. There are constant updates to the industry, whether it’s new legislation or the latest consumer trends, working in construction definitely keeps you on your toes.
#6 You’ll be able to see immediate results from your hard work
Construction workers will tell you that one of the most satisfying things about working on construction is being able to see immediate results from your hard work. At the end of each day, you will be able to clearly see the progress you and your team have made with your own two hands! Most people only dream of being able to put their stamp on the world by creating something that wasn’t there the day before, construction workers get to do that everyday. Now, what is more rewarding than that?
#7 You’ll be at the forefront of technology
Construction and technology and work fantastically together and are redefining the way construction works by streamlining processes and reinventing the way people work. You will forever find yourself at the forefront of new developments, testing out the latest machines, the most helpful gadget and the newest software. If how technology can help the construction world gets you excited, there isn’t a better time to get into construction.
#8 A great way to make friends
This is something we can guarantee, we see it everyday, workmates become bestmates and despite the odd prank or two the friends you make on a construction site are the kind of friends you’ll have for life! Working on a construction site means you’ll be spending a lot of your time in a team, overcoming challenges together, fixing any problems that may arise, it is easy to see how strong bonds are made. For most of the people we chat to across all of our branches, the thing they love most about their job is working closely with friends to get the job done.
#9 The construction industry is highly profitable
A recent study has found that the global construction industry is worth approximately $10 trillion and construction outputs are set to soar even further in the next 15 years making now a great time to start/further your career in construction. An increase in demand for skilled construction workers means wages have also seen an increase, with average surveyors, architects, engineers and site managers wages reportedly increasing by four times the cost of living.
#10 Be your own boss
Although this is not for everyone, a lot of people always dream of being their own boss. The capability of making their own decisions, managing their own workloads and, often, managing other people too is a big pull for some. With the demand for skilled construction workers on the rise, this is great news for workers wanting to set up their own business in construction.