Working in the construction industry presents a multitude of career opportunities, skills and employment that could be perfectly suited to you. Some of the various types of jobs you can do in construction are:
- On-site Careers
- Project Management Careers
- Vehicle & Machinery Careers
- Admin Careers
This article will comprehensively explain the range of available job roles and skills in the construction industry from the on-site category. Whether you are just starting off, looking for a promotion or wanting to switch paths in the construction industry, you can learn all about it with Think Construction Skills, helping you to achieve your desired qualifications that will provide you with the skills you need.
On-site Job Roles
Within the on-site category of construction job types, there are various avenues you can choose from and specialise in. Different parts such as:
- House Building
- Commercial
- Infrastructure
Commonly, with all on-site job types, your role will tend to feature machinery, tools and building materials to complete your work. On-site construction jobs can be in various locations up and down the United Kingdom, as it is project-based. With the right qualifications, you can work on projects from small contractors to large firms, developing some of England’s finest projects. So, what are some of the most featured roles for on-site construction jobs?
1. Bricklayer
Bricklayers work in teams, and usually outdoors, working with a variety of building blocks in mortar in order to fix and build structures. Depending on the contract, you can be doing something as simple as building a brick wall or as complex as building new homes and commercial properties across England.
The salaries for bricklayers tend to vary due to their experience. As you start off, you can expect a salary in the range of £12,000-£17,000 per year, whereas more experienced bricklayers can earn up to £30,000 per year. Moreover, if you’ve earned the title of Master Bricklayer, then you can earn up to £40,000. It should also be noted that many bricklayers are private/self-employed, thus, the average salary may differ.
2. Banksman
A banksman is an important role on-site, which deals with guiding vehicle drivers and plant operators around the site in a safe manner. This role relies heavily on the logistics and the safety of yourself and all the workers on-site.
Banksman, also known as “Signallers”, can earn between £22,000 – £25,000 per year.
We offer a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Controlling Lifting\Operations – Slinger/Signaller as part of our plant NVQ range.
3. Scaffolder
Scaffolding, as I am sure you have seen around projects across London, Essex and pretty much anywhere in England, is down to the duty of a scaffolder. They will need to erect structures on-site that will allow other site workers to use them and carry out their work safely. A scaffolder is typically a physically demanding job and will require some level of fitness to carry it out successfully.
Scaffolder’s salary typically varies depending on experience, it can be between £12,000 – £44,000 per year.
4. Plasterer
A plasterer is a key component of most, if not all, construction projects. Therefore, an on-site plasterer is a high in-demand job for construction sites. Plastering involves the process of making walls ready to be decorated, by using fibrous or solid plastering.
Depending on your experience, a plasterer can earn an annual salary from £12,000 – £28,000.
We offer a range of NVQ Level 2 Diplomas in plastering such as:
- Diploma in Plastering – Fibrous
- Diploma in Plastering – Heritage Plastering, Fibrous
- Diploma in Plastering – Heritage Plastering, Solid
- Diploma in Plastering – Solid
5. Carpenter
One key construction role on-site is a carpenter, who is skilled with wood and using it to craft structures. This job features the use of handwork and power tools and plays a major role in the development of flooring, roofing and walls. This is another very popular job type in the construction industry, with most projects requiring a carpenter. Further to being skilled with wood, a carpenter also needs to be able to understand technical drawings and plans to carry out the work according to the correct specifications.
A carpenters salary ranges according to experience, which can be from £5,000 – £30,000 per year.
Some Carpentry NVQs offered by Think Construction Skills are:
- NVQ Level 2 – Diploma in Formwork – Carpenter
- NVQ Level 2 – Diploma in Wood Occupations – Site Carpentry
- NVQ Level 2 – Diploma in Wood Occupations – Structural Post & Beam Carpentry
- NVQ Level 3 – Diploma in Wood Occupations – Site Carpentry (Advanced)
6. Joiner
The role of a joiner is to create interior elements (from wood), such as kitchens, windows, stairs and doors. While joiners do work on-site there is also a workshop element to the role. Joiners have a variety of roles:
- Joinery Foreman
- Joinery Estimator
- Operator
- Wood Machinist
Each role has its own average salary, you can look to earn from £14,000 per year as a beginner to £40,000 per year as you master the craft.
You can apply for a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Occupations – Architectural Joinery.
7. Site Manger
As a site manager, your responsibilities extend to everyone on-site. You will need to set out the site before any work is carried out, oversee the ongoing work, manage the workforce on-site and meet deadlines according to your contract. In addition to meeting deadlines, you will need to handle the budget and specifications of each project.
A site managers salary usually depends on the employer and location of work, but an average annual salary would be from £34,000 – £55,000.
At Think Construction Skills, we offer a myriad of site management NVQs across England. You can find out more about our Level 6 and Level 7 NVQs and attain your Black CSCS card here:
Begin your Career in Construction
If you are looking to begin your career in construction with on-site jobs, or further add on to your current career, then find out what you can achieve today, with Think Construction Skills. Contact us and we can help find the right course for you, we offer NVQs from Level 2-7 and help upskill the workforce across England.
