We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Requires IT skills, ability to use computer aided design (CAD) and other software, and attention to detail
- With experience, move into construction project management or specialise in estimating, CAD drafting, or buying
- Involves site visits to oversee building preparations and supervise contractors
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Estimating different costs for use in bids for contract tenders
- Negotiating with suppliers on the cost of materials, equipment and labour
- Checking the quality of suppliers
- Helping to plan the methods used in each construction stage
- Drafting construction plans and blueprints using CAD software
- Monitoring build progress against completion dates
- Reporting on progress at update meetings
- Preparing construction sites before work begins
- Supervising teams of contractors
- Keeping up to date on construction methods and materials
- Following health and safety guidelines and building regulations
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Your work will usually be split between construction sites and an office. Your working environment may be at height and outdoors in all weathers and you will likely need to wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
You'll need
This role is ideal for someone with good analytical thinking skills, who is detail-oriented and who has the ability to use their initiative.
You can get into this job by completing an advanced apprenticeship in construction, surveying or building services design. You can also do a construction engineering technician higher apprenticeship. The exact apprenticeship you take will depend on your job role and duties. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship and 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a higher or a degree apprenticeship.
You can also do a college course, which may help you to get a job as a trainee technician. You could do a Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering or Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment. You can also take a T level in Design, Surveying and Planning.
Alternatively, you could take a foundation degree or higher national diploma in construction, the built environment, surveying or civil engineering.
You'll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on a construction site.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience you could move into construction project management or specialise in estimating, CAD drafting or buying.
You could find work with national and international building firms and contractors, central and local government, and organisations that do their own construction work, like utility companies, major retailers and the NHS.