Construction

CAREER ADVICE
Its My LIFE 2012

Summary
This package saves readers time through accurate research tailored towards people who want to start a career in the Construction industry My aim is to educate future readers and prevent a possible long-term skills shortage The two areas covered in this section are education and employment

Aim:
1. Prepare you for employment

2.

Make you think long-term

3.

Give you good value for your time & money

Employment Requirements
Competence in: English Maths IT Additional work based qualifications include: CSCS card, a full UK driving license

Work Based Courses

There are several short courses that can help you in the work environment

Please read through the business section for guidance! These courses maybe useful for business or personal development

Higher Education
Advantage: Employment in your chosen profession Personal development Wages

UK Qualifications Table
GRADES Level 8 Level 7 Consultant Level 6 Level 5 Level 4 Level 3 - Skilled QUALIFICATION Doctoral Masters Degree Bachelors Degree Higher National Diploma Higher National Certificate A Level

Entry Requirements
Routes may vary for Level 3: Key requirement: Math's , English 5 GCSE A C Degrees or Higher Nationals: A Levels or NVQ Level 3 Mature students may use work based experience once they are 21+ Google hot courses for course providers

Degree
Are theory based Offer the option of 1 year work experience as an intern Studying abroad Good starting salary Management opportunities International qualification Fast track to Chartered status Option to teach & further your education to a masters level, or PHD

Vocational Qualification
Practical courses Tailored specifically for business Internationally recognized Shorter than a degree Often assessed through course work Acknowledged by accredited institutions Can lead to a management role and chartered status. E.g. IEng, CEng.

Less money owed in debt for higher education

Tips
Consideration when choosing a course: Cost of the course and duration Facilities and modern technology available Location of the Institution Size of classes and range of students Rank and status of the University Work experience in that profession

Before you enroll on a course look at the core modules that are mandatory, then make a note of the specialist units that maybe useful for YOU in the work environment Plan your year and think long-term!

Professional Recognition
In order for you to become professionally recognized you need to join an accredited institution such as the (ICE) Institution of Civil Engineers This gives you credibility in your chosen profession

They will assess you on your work based experience & academic qualifications

Abbreviations For Accredited Industries

RICS Royal Institution Chartered Surveyors

RIBA - Royal Institute of British Architects

HSE Health & Safety Executive

CIOB - Chartered Institute of Building

ICE Institution of Civil Engineers Some of these organizations may offer you grants & help with funding for further education

RIBA Membership Route

Fellow

Chartered Member

Associate

Student

Funding Tips
Some employers may finance your further education

Apply for grants & scholarships at your Institution

Some Colleges may offer cheaper fees than Universities The student loans company is government funded and can help with fees, loans & grants Seek exemptions on modules covered at work 3000 grants are currently available on the student cash point or scholarship search.org.uk Student tips are free on money saving expert.com

Gap Year

Considerations
Home students who dont intend on furthering their higher education should aim to achieve their: A levels or L3 - NVQ Good grades will allow you to enter University when ever you feel comfortable and ready

Think long-term!

Disadvantage
Time taken to complete higher education Rise in tuition fees Annual salary in comparison to graduates

Advantage
Time to think about a long-term career Gain work experience and improve your CV Travel the world before you start a professional career Save some money for higher education

Conclusion
When choosing your profession ask your self these questions: 1. Can you see your self doing it for 30 - 40 years? 2. Do you want to be an employee or run your own business? 3. Does your career demand long hours and a lot of time spent traveling? 4. Most importantly, how flexible is your profession? If theres another recession will you be able to get another job quickly? Think globally and dont be afraid of change!

Employment

Construction Sectors
Buildings Infrastructure Health & Safety Services

Clients
Public sector Government Departments Nationalized industries Local Authorities Private Sector: Industrial, Commercial & Residential companies

Volunteering & Internships

Pros: Gain practical experience Meet new people with experience in your field Most important is the reference for future jobs; your employer is not legally required to give you one Cons: Time spent travelling monthly whilst working Financial cost Duration of services provided & hours worked

Level 1 - 3
Courses for skilled tradesmen: Carpentry Electrical Instillation Plumbing Painting & Decorating Plastering Brick laying Landscape Gardening

Level 4+
Professional: Engineer: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Surveying: Land, Building, Quantity Architecture Interior design Project Management Health & Safety Officers Environmental Management

Covering Letters & CV

Covering letters: Should have a beginning, middle & end Contact details CV: Must be checked for grammar & spelling mistakes Converted from American spelling to English Short & precise, 2 pages maximum! Listed in the following order: Contact details, Objective, Employment, Education Save your CV as a Word Document Consider the reader, dont clutter your CV with too much detail

Interviews
Top 6 tips: Research the company history on their website Arrive 15 20 minutes early so you can prepare your self mentally for the interview Listen to the questions asked and then answer precisely Calculate your expected salary before your interview When asked about your salary expectations dont give a fixed price, quote a range. For example 25 - 35 an hour Have your personal protective equipment ready as they may ask you to work the next day! Dress smart and be punctual!

Networking through Social Media

Websites to use: Facebook MSN Skype Twitter LinkedIn Google+ The advantage of using social media is: You can sell your services to a wide range of people globally See potential employers or clients worldwide

Agencies & Websites

Randstrad Fusion people Hays Carmichael UK Reed

Websites: Jobrapido, Monster, Job center plus

Job Search Example

Google Jobrapido Civil Engineer, London Tips: 1. Look for a name, contact number and email address 2. Call the employer if there is a contact number available, this way you may secure an interview immediately 3. Keep a pen and note pad ready to write down the information given to you when calling employers 4. Create a cover letter template that can be adjusted, read the job requirements and apply

Employment Pros & Cons

Employees Self employed

Payroll for Employees

Positive 9k Tax free Regular wages Sick pay and holidays Redundancy pay Company benefits Negatives Fixed contract Taxed 40% once u earn above 32k.. 45% above 150k For more information visit the HMRC

Self Employed
Positives Hourly pay & flexible working hours Weekly salary Taxed once a year Expenses deducted

Negatives No sick pay, redundancy or holiday No guaranteed work Responsibility of paying tax Total amount paid in accountancy fees over a year
For more information visit the HMRC & contact an accountant

Annual Review
What is an annual review? The opportunity for employees to discuss their work performance every year with a line manager and get the results in writing! This should include: Wages, terms of your contract and a pay rise

Tips: Insist on having a annual review or your manager may avoid one Research your salary Have a price in mind before the interview Write down your achievements and discuss them with your manager Whatever you agree on in the meeting must be put in writing immediately Employers are not required to increase their staff salary by law

Conclusion
1. 2. 3. 4. What do employers look for when hiring? Team players Competence Commitment Communication skills

5.

Employees that are willing to listen and learn