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Opportunities With An Architecture Degree

Without a doubt construction remains one of the most vibrant industries on the planet. It builds from a wealth of skill sets which include Design, Architecture, Building Skills and Health & Safety factors. There are many routes to a variety of careers within the Construction Industry.

Essentially there are three layers of profession within the industry. The least certified members of the workforce will be employed on building sites and are generally known as Unskilled and/or Semi Skilled. Next are the managers and foremen who work on-site. They hold a good level of technical knowledge and are often referred to as "skilled" labour. Finally, there are Technical and Management workers. Individuals in this category will have trained and qualified at a more advanced level, and will take on greater responsibilities.

Bookmarking this page (a keyboard shortcut is Ctrl D) would help if you wanted to check out the links and adverts to a few training companies in this area.

Construction Training within Great Britain

Further Education credentials (often involving vocational elements) are essential for skilled positions. Once compulsory education in schools has been completed, students can either further their knowledge through training at work or by attending one of the prescribed colleges. Between 2006 and 2007 over 9,000 apprenticeships in construction were allocated in the United Kingdom. In late 2009, approximately 613,000 people were employed within the construction industry as a whole, with some 18,000 people going through training programmes.

Generally there are three divisions of construction accepted within the industry. They're very different in nature and scope, and require distinctive skill-sets.

Let's begin with Building Construction. This is the process by which structural improvements are made to established buildings. A large number of these projects are comparatively small and are completed in under a month. Secondly, organisations that gain profit out of medium sized projects fall into the heavy or civil construction sector. Finally we have a smaller sector at the top of the scale that deals with industrial construction. Often the people behind these industrial construction projects are huge profit based companies.

The Heavy/Civil and Industrial construction sectors primarily involve broader technical skills to finish each scheme. The scope of the projects range from a few hundred pounds for small building work through to a few million or even billion pounds to complete two year industrial projects. Next we'll cover a range of technical and specialised occupations in construction today -

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers generally hold particular three or four year engineering degrees. In addition the Chartered Engineer certification can be obtained through the Institution of Civil Engineers. To become a Chartered Engineer, university graduates are likely to have a Masters Degree. Bachelor of Engineering degrees are generally a prerequisite to reaching the Incorporated Engineer level.

Building Engineer

The construction industry also needs Building Services Engineers. A Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree is normally held by most applicants to this post. The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers welcomes members, and offers memberships from Affiliate through to Fellow depending on status.

Project Manager

Individuals typically hold a 2 year or greater higher education qualification, but are also qualified in another field such as 'Quantity Surveying' or 'Civil Engineering'.

Quantity Surveyors

To become a surveyor, you must first qualify in an appropriate QS degree. With 2 years practical experience in a related field, you can complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and become a member of RICS - the profession's Royal Institute.

Structural Engineering

This type of work covers such areas as structural analysis, structural mechanics, foundation and structural design and material properties. There are various membership levels should you wish to join the Institute of Structural Engineers, which reflect the diversity of recognised academic qualifications around the world.

Architect

Twelve months practical experience follows the first degree, then a further two years on a second degree or diploma, with more practical experience and exams following that. To use the title of Architect, the individual must hold Chartered Status with the Royal Institute of British Architects, and be on the Architects Registration Board.