Careers in Construction: What Jobs Can You Do?

The UK construction industry is one of the country’s largest employers, contributing billions to the economy and shaping the buildings and infrastructure we all rely on. But construction isn’t just about hard hats and building sites, it’s a wide-ranging sector with roles to suit almost every skillset, from hands-on trades to design, management and technology.

Read on for an overview of the main career paths, plus the qualifications and opportunities that come with them.

Skilled Trades

The trades are the foundation of construction. They’re the people who physically create buildings and make sure they’re safe, functional and fit for purpose.

Examples of trade roles:

• Bricklayers and masons – build walls, foundations and structures
• Carpenters and joiners – create frameworks, furniture and finishes
• Electricians – install and maintain wiring, lighting and power systems
• Plumbers and heating engineers – fit water, heating and cooling systems
• Roofers, tilers and glaziers – complete and protect the external structure

Most people enter these roles through an apprenticeship or by completing an NVQ or T-Level in construction.

Design and Technical Professions

Before a project starts on site, specialists design and plan how it will look and perform. These roles mix creativity with technical expertise.

Examples include:

• Architects – design spaces that are functional, sustainable and inspiring
• Civil and structural engineers – make sure structures are safe and strong
• Building services engineers – design heating, lighting and ventilation systems
• Surveyors – measure land, calculate costs and ensure compliance
• BIM/CAD technicians – use software to create accurate digital models

Many of these roles require a degree and often lead to professional chartership through organisations like RICS or the Chartered Institute of Building.

Management and Leadership

Large projects need strong organisation. Managers and supervisors coordinate teams, budgets and timelines to make sure everything comes together.

Roles in this area include:

• Site managers – oversee day-to-day activity on site
• Project managers – lead projects from planning to completion
• Contracts managers – handle legal and financial agreements
• Health and safety officers – ensure regulations are followed and risks are managed

Experience in the industry is key here. Many people start in a trade or technical role before moving into management.

Support and Specialist Roles

Behind the scenes, there’s a whole network of support functions that keep projects on track.

Examples include:

• Estimators – calculate costs of materials, labour and equipment
• Procurement specialists – source and buy what’s needed for the job
• Building control officers – ensure projects meet regulations
• Sustainability consultants – advise on environmental performance
• Drone operators – carry out aerial surveys safely and efficiently

These roles are becoming increasingly important as regulations tighten and technology changes the way projects are delivered.

How to Get Started

There are different entry routes depending on the role you’re interested in:

• Apprenticeships and T-Levels – great for skilled trades
• University degrees – required for many design, engineering and management roles
• Professional bodies – such as RICS or CIOB, which provide chartership and career progression
• On-site experience is essential across all areas to build practical knowledge

Why Choose Construction?

A career in construction offers:

• Variety – no two projects are the same
• Progression – plenty of scope to move up or specialise
• Stability – strong demand for housing and infrastructure in the UK
• Impact – you’ll see your work shaping communities around you

Of course, it comes with challenges too, long hours, working outdoors in all weather, and strict safety requirements. But for many, the rewards outweigh the difficulties.

Final Thought

Construction is far more than building work, it’s a diverse industry with opportunities for everyone, from creative designers and technical experts to skilled tradespeople and project leaders. With the right training and a willingness to learn, you can build a career that’s both rewarding and future-proof.

Here at Cavendish Professionals, placing people in places where they truly thrive is at the heart of what we do. Check out our range of available construction roles here