Construction and the Built Environment

The construction and built environment sector is vital in contributing to the national economy. It covers a range of varied industries such as architecture, structural steelwork, heating and ventilation, painting and decorating and surveying. It is one of the most important economic sectors in the UK. 7.9% of the UK's total workforce is employed in construction.

To find out what's happening in this sector, the opportunities available to you and how to seek more information, please click here.


Numbers employed locally
Bath and North East Somerset 4,525
Bristol 11,191
North Somerset 4,295
South Gloucestershire 11,412

Source: Annual Business Inquiry Employee Analysis. ONS Crown Copyright. (From Nomis 2009)

Who does what?

Construction and The built environment 'Who does what?' Pie chart
  • A - Administrative 8%
  • B - Bricklayers 3%
  • C - Carpenters 7%
  • D - Electricians 8%
  • E - Labourers 7%
  • F - Managers 14%
  • G - Operatives 7%
  • H - Other Occupations 7%
  • I - Other Skilled Trades 13%
  • J - Painters & Decorators 5%
  • K - Plasterers 2%
  • L - Plumbers 6%
  • M - Professional 9%
  • N - Technical 5%

Source: Labour Force Survey 2007, © Crown Copyright. Figures are for England.

How much could I earn?
Position
Average annual salary (£s)
Architect, Town Planner, Surveyor £43,332
Bricklayer, Mason £24,554
Carpenter/Joiner £22,939
Draughtsperson, Building Inspector £27,268
Painter & Decorator £21,774
Plasterer £20,951
Roofer, Roof Tiler, Slater £21,739

Salary rates have been calculated using the average gross pay rates for full time workers. Figures are for the United Kingdom. Averages can hide higher earnings. With training and career development, higher salaries can be achieved.

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2008, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.

What 16 year olds did in 2008

80% of 16 year olds continued in learning, and just less than 10% entered full- time employment or work-based training.

In 2008 a total of i1,182 Year 11 school leavers from local schools entered full- time employment or work-based training. Of this number, 221 went into skilled construction and built environment related work.

Source: Connexions West of England 2009.

Want to know more?

If you're serious about a career in construction and the built environment - FIND OUT MORE!

Use Careerscape, JED, Kudos, MyPlan4Life and the construction and the built environment sections of your Connexions resource area for more information including:

  • Qualifications
  • Local training, further and higher education opportunities
  • Skills and personal characteristics
  • Rates of pay and working conditions
  • Local, national and international employers.

Certain facts/figures are reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence.

Quiz

Is this you?

  • Able to pay attention to detail
  • Good at maths and science
  • Good communicator
  • Good team worker
  • Interested in craft, design and technology
  • Like practical work and being outdoors

Some job suggestions from Jobs4u

Some useful websites

  • Apprenticeships: www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call the helpline on
    08000 150600
  • Construction and Built Environment Diploma: www.cbediploma.co.uk
  • Construction Industry Training Board: www.citb.org.uk
  • Construction Skills: www.bconstructive.co.uk
  • Engineering Construction Industry Training Board: www.ecitb.org.uk
  • Royal Institute of British Architecture: www.architecture.com
  • Sector Skills Council for Building Services Engineering: www.summitskills.org.uk
  • Sector Skills Council for the Construction Industry and Built Environment: www.constructionskills.net
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