How to Become a Qualified Electrician

How to Become a Qualified Electrician FBR Recruitment

Spark it up – Wired for Success

 

How to Become a Qualified Electrician  – If you’ve ever looked at changing careers to become an electrician, you’ve probably asked yourself how do you become a qualified electrician? 

There are many different ways you can get into any career, and the route to becoming a qualified electrician is no different. So if you’ve been spending a little too much time changing light bulbs and find yourself besotted by the magic of electrons, then a career as an electrician might be the spark you need in life.

But before you can start twisting wires and flicking switches with the best of them, you need to make sure you get that important certificate so you don’t cause any damage. How to become a qualified electrician? There are a few routes you can take. Here are a few you might have considered or will give you the information you need to make the right choice. 

Become a qualified electrician with an apprenticeship

If you’re the kind of person who prefers to get things over and done with and jump straight into the deep end. Then becoming a qualified electrician with an apprenticeship might be the way to go. After securing a high school diploma or general education, you can dive headfirst into an electrician apprenticeship program. Although, apprenticeships aren’t just for those straight out of school. Many people career swap by taking on an apprenticeship in their desired new challenge.

 

Here, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of the trade while actually doing the work under the watchful eye of a seasoned electrician. Don’t worry, you’ll get paid for your work, and by the time you’re done (usually 4-5 years), you’ll be ready to pass the licensing exam with your eyes closed. Not that we’d recommend closing your eyes when handling electricicals. 

Benefits of an apprenticeship to become a qualified electrician

There are two key benefits to becoming an electrician via apprenticeships. You earn while you learn. This means you can make money if you’re just starting out or pay your bills if you are taking a career change.  Another huge benefit is on the job learning. There’s nothing quite like on-the-job training to give you a vivid taste of the ups, downs, and sometimes shocking realities of the trade.

Become an electrician with college degree

If you’re a fan of classrooms and structured learning, you might consider heading down to your nearest vocational school or college. At college, you can take a certificate or associate degree program in electrical technology, there may even be night classes available for those of you who are looking to make a career change. This route can be quicker, often taking 1-2 years, and it allows you to learn the theoretical aspects of the trade before you start juggling live wires. 

Benefits of a college education for qualified electricians

The main benefit of college education for your electrician degree is the time it takes to become qualified. You’ll graduate with a solid theoretical grounding, which might give you an edge when it’s time to take on an entry-level job. Plus, you have the added benefit of student discounts.

Military education – an alternative reroute to becoming a qualified electrician

Have you ever wanted to know how you can blend doing something for the good of the world, while doing something you love? Well, several military branches offer electrical training programs. Not only will you gain top-notch training, but you’ll also be contributing to something bigger than yourself. 

It is important to consider the immensity of the decision you are making to join the military, even to learn a trade. Just be sure you’re ready for the challenge. 

Benefits of military education for electricians

The military can provide exceptional training and invaluable experience. Plus, there are often excellent benefits and opportunities for further education and career advancement within the military. 

Benefits of becoming an electrician

Regardless of the route you choose, becoming a qualified electrician comes with its own set of perks. 

Job Security

As long as people need to pop the kettle on for a cuppa, binge-watch their favourite tv series, or even use their air fryer. There will always be a use for electricians. Even if the world moves to green energy and renewables, that power needs to be converted into electricity that we can use in our everyday lives, where there is electricity, there is an electrician. 

Good Pay

Electricians can earn a good living, with median wages well above the national average. 

Variety

Every day is different. You’ll have the chance to work in different settings, on different types of projects, and with different clients. This makes becoming an electrician a nice challenge as you experience different types of issues and problems you need to solve.

Stay Active

If you like to keep moving and can’t stand the idea of sitting behind a desk then being an electrician is for you. You get to move around a lot and you visit each new site and carry out an array of diagnostic tests and fixes before you move on to your next task. 

 

There are many different ways you can become an electrician, and not one route is the right way. The best way is what suits you and your situation best. 

If you are looking for a new career or looking for the challenge of a new company, our team at FBR are recruitment specialists ready to help you reach your career goals.

Contact our team today or view our jobs board.

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The Essential Skills of a Bricklayer

The Essential Skills of a Bricklayer | FBR Recruitment

The Essential Skills of a Bricklayer  – There are many essential skills you need when you become a bricklayer. We hear you say “What’s hard about stacking bricks?”. Well, a lot more skills go into building with bricks than you might realise. From the precision it needs to build a perfectly straight and level wall, to the intricacies around different architectural styles and bricks that brickies do on the daily. 

That is the world of bricklayers, where small rectangular prisms are carefully stacked to create monumental structures. Let’s delve into their world and explore the skills, qualifications, and job details you need in order to thrive in the delicate world of bricklaying.

Essential bricklayer skills: More than stacking bricks

As a bricklayer, you’ll need a fine balance of hand-eye coordination, physical strength, and accuracy. It is essential that you master your movements and space. It might surprise you but having a good handle on your numeracy ability is extremely important. Bricklayers must calculate angles, measurements, and quantities with exceptional precision. This allows you to only use the materials you need to prevent wastage. 

 

You will also need to have a deep understanding of building codes and safety regulations. As well as the ability to read architectural drawings is also part of the package. So, it’s clear, being a bricklayer involves much more than just stacking bricks.

What qualifications do you need as a bricklayer?

If you’re looking to step into the world of bricklaying then you’ll need to know what qualifications you will need. 

It is required to obtain a qualification in construction, specialising in bricklaying if you want to work in construction. There are different ways you can obtain this qualification, either through an apprenticeship or vocational training.

Get a job as a bricklayer | How to become a qualified bricklayer

The most common form of bricklayer qualification is the bricklayer apprenticeship. This is a hands-on learning approach and usually lasts between 3 to 4 years. The apprenticeship offers both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. This bricklayer apprenticeship is an essential step in launching a successful career in the field.

There may be more vocational training in college through various construction-specific qualifications, that will allow you to specialise in bricklaying. However, each college is different so it is best to discuss the course offerings with the college. 

 

Benefits of being a Bricklayer

In today’s current society, we are always looking at the benefits and perks of a job role. There are many benefits of being a bricklayer. You create tangible and long-lasting structures, work outdoors, and contribute to the evolution of cities and towns. Many brickies find this extremely rewarding and satisfying. 

There’s also a fair amount of camaraderie among bricklayers and other construction workers, adding a social element to the job. This aspect always makes the days pass quicker. 

Another benefit is the fact that as we continue to grow and build our infrastructure and society; we will always be in need of bricklayers. So it is a pretty secure job, until the wall-e style robots take over. But we think we’re safe for a while yet. 

What does a typical day look like for a bricklayer?

No day looks the same. Life as a bricklayer is dynamic, challenging, and satisfying. You’ll start your day early so best get used to rising with the sun. You will be potentially building walls, repairing existing structures, or crafting elegant brickwork for a new residential development. No matter if it’s rain or shine, as a bricklayer, you’re always ready for the challenges of the day.

Bricklayers salary

The salary of a bricklayer varies depending on the location, experience, and size of the project. 

However, a typical salary for the average UK bricklayer is around £40-60k per annum. For newly qualified bricklayers you are looking at around £17-£20k depending on location and experience. 

The bricklayer job combines hard work with immense satisfaction, shaping the world around us one brick at a time. If you are looking for a new challenge, speak to our team of expert construction recruitment specialists. With FBR’s recruitment agents at your side, you are bound for greatness. 

Contact us or view our jobs board today. 

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The Role of a Project Coordinator in Construction

From Blueprint to Reality - The Role of a Project Coordinator in Construction FBR Recruitment

From Blueprint to Reality – The Role of a Project Coordinator in Construction

The role of a project coordinator in construction is filled with challenges and a variety of tasks you will need to undertake. The project coordinator is just one of the many cogs in the wheel of construction projects. 

Can’t quite see yourself as the project manager just yet, but would rather dip your toes in the concrete first? Becoming a project coordinator might be the role you are looking for. If you’re ready to balance between hammers and hard hats, paperwork and project timelines, a project coordinator role fits the bill. So let’s look at this diverse and dynamic role in more detail. 

 

What does a project coordinator do?

While the project manager often gets the attention, project coordinators in the construction world are the unsung heroes. They juggle a myriad of responsibilities and tasks, making sure the whole aspect of a construction project is running smoothly and according to the timeline.

As a project coordinator, you will be in charge of the project schedules. You will be making sure milestones are met and delays are minimised. It’s essential that you master the art of document control, becoming a librarian for meeting minutes, invoices, contracts, and more. 

Not only will you be in charge of these documentation processes. But you will also be the liaison officer, ensuring everyone from the site manager to suppliers, is on the same page.

That sounds like a lot of important tasks because it is. A project coordinator is no cushty desk job with a simple task list. So if you’re still interested, brace yourself, there’s more. 

Another part of being a project coordinator is that you also need to step into the shoes of a financial whizz. Tracking project costs and keeping the budget in check. While doing all of this it will be important for you to keep track of safety and ensure that all regulations are followed and completed by relevant team members. 

A project coordinator does everything necessary to keep the project running. It’s the stepping stone to becoming a project manager.

 

What qualifications do you need to have to be a project coordinator?

There are many different skills and qualifications you may need or want if you are looking to become a project coordinator. If you have a knack for problem-solving? Love a spreadsheet? Then we can tell you that you’re already halfway there. 

 

When it comes to qualifications most employers require a bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field. You can obtain this type of qualification at college or university, or there may be apprenticeship schemes you should consider.

 

However, like any role, it’s not just about having the right paper credentials. You’ll need to show you’ve got the soft skills to match, this is the term used to specify skills that aren’t gained in traditional learning settings. Soft skills like excellent communication, organisation, and time management are crucial. Not forgetting the ability to stay calm under pressure. Construction projects, as we know, can be full of challenges that you will need to overcome effectively.

Salary expectations of a project coordinator

Like all roles and industries, salary expectations can vary depending on experience, location, and qualifications. 

The typical starting salary for a project coordinator is around £30k per annum. However, with experience or the right location you could expect up to £45.5k + per annum. Working with a recruitment agent will ensure you obtain the best possible salary that meets your expectations. As well as meeting industry standards. 

Interview preparation for a project coordinator

So, you’ve got that interview and you’re doing some research into interview questions. We have several blogs on interview questions and interview prep. However, here are some good ones to consider using in an interview for a project coordinator role:

 

  • “What’s a common challenge a project coordinator faces in your company, and how would it be handled effectively?”
  • “How does the company ensure effective communication between different teams or departments?”
  • “Can you share some ways the company prioritises safety in its projects?”
  • “What would a typical day for a project coordinator look like at your company?”
  • “How does the company support the professional growth and development of a project coordinator?”

 

A project coordinator is essential for all construction projects. From juggling tasks, and running the show behind the scenes, to potentially earning a pretty penny, it’s certainly a complex and diverse role. If you’re up for a challenge and love to see a plan come together, this could be the perfect job for you.

 

Our team of expert construction recruiters are able to help you find the dream Role of a Project Coordinator in Construction, or a role that suits your skills and experience. Contact FBR today, or view our jobs board. 

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Unleashing Creativity in the Digital Age

Unleashing Creativity in the Digital Age - Exploring the World of Digital and Media Specialists FBR Recruitment

Unleashing Creativity in the Digital Age – Exploring the World of Digital and Media Specialists

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a digital media specialist in the construction industry?

Digital media specialists don’t always get the attention they deserve in the construction industry. Digital media specialists are responsible for crafting compelling narratives and bridging the gap between brick-and-mortar realities and digital realms. It’s how businesses get themselves known, no matter the industry. Without a digital media specialist in your organisation, well, who will find you online? Who will know you have the service and skills they need? 

While construction is still a very manual-driven industry, the world of business is becoming more digitised with each day. The construction companies that harness the power of digital marketing specialists are going to thrive. If you’re considering digital marketing jobs in this sector, here’s a glimpse into the exciting journey ahead.

Essential skills for digital media marketing in construction

There are many essential skills you will need to have in order to work in digital media in the construction industry.

  • Digital Marketing Expertise: SEO, SEM, email marketing, and social media advertising are crucial in this role. Digital media specialists cater to a specific audience in the construction industry, making online targeting a necessity.
  • Content Creation and Storytelling: The ability to narrate a captivating story that transports the reader to newly built spaces is key in construction digital marketing jobs.
  • Graphic Design & Video Production: Mastery over graphic design and video editing tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other graphic tools can elevate you, setting you apart from the crowd. Extra points for 3D rendering and visualisation skills.
  • Data Analysis: Digital media specialists must be skilled at analysing digital campaigns, identifying trends, and strategising based on data insights.

Tie all of these skills together and combine them with offline marketing and understanding the construction industry and you will be a force to reckon with.

 

How to get into digital media and digital marketing

Like many different careers, there is not one way into a role. Experts across the industry have all joined marketing and digital media in various different ways. Whether it is a degree in marketing, communications, or graphic design. This is always a road to digital marketing jobs. 

There are various certifications in digital marketing, Google Analytics, or graphic design that can make you an attractive candidate in the eyes of potential employers. Be sure to utilise every possible tool and training programme available. The world of digital marketing and digital media is constantly changing and you need to learn how to keep up with it.

What a typical day looks like for digital media and marketing 

Every day is different. That is a common theme in construction, and in marketing and digital media, you are no exception. As a digital media specialist, you’ll juggle diverse tasks, from analysing campaign performance to collaborating on promotional material designs. 

You might even find yourself on a construction site, filming or photographing content for your audience. You will need to tie in all of your skills to create engaging content and marketing campaigns that attract your audience. Whether you are looking to entertain, provide insights, or help garner sales; you will be using everything you have to make it happen. 

Salary Expectations

Within digital media and marketing, salaries can vary drastically. Anything from specific skills, qualifications, or experience can help set you up for success and earn higher incomes. A typical salary for digital media and marketing is around £25k + per annum.

Why choose the construction industry?

Digital media marketing in the construction industry provides the opportunity to contribute to architectural legacies and various projects that will be around for years to come. It’s a unique blend of modern digital strategies and traditional products. Plus, it adds some construction jargon to your everyday vocabulary.

 

Unleashing Creativity in the Digital Age

Digital marketing jobs in the construction industry are challenging but extremely rewarding, requiring a versatile skill set and the ability to manage a range of tasks.

If you are looking for your next career move or need some help deciding where your career should take you. FBR’s team of expert recruitment specialists are available to help guide you to your dream job role. 

View our jobs board now or contact us today. 

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