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Looking Beyond Just Hard Labour - Careers in Construction

Looking Beyond Just Hard Labour - Careers in ConstructionWhen people think of construction, they often picture physically demanding labour on-site. While hands-on roles are a vital part of the industry, construction offers a diverse range of careers suited to various skill sets, interests, and personality types. We understand that every individual has unique abilities and aspirations. That’s why we aim to break the stereotype that construction is only about manual work. Whether your detail-oriented, analytical, a strong leader, or great at managing costs, there is a place for you in this dynamic industry. Here are some of the rewarding career opportunities available:

Quantity Surveyor:

Salary: £30K-£70K
Qualifications: RICS-accredited degree, HNC/HND, apprenticeships available
Key Skills: Budgeting, negotiation, cost control, problem-solving
Best for: Detail-oriented, analytical thinkers who enjoy working with numbers and contracts

Quantity Surveyors play a crucial role in managing budgets and costs for construction projects. They ensure financial efficiency, negotiate with suppliers, and keep spending within planned limits.

Buyer:

Salary: £25K-£55K
Qualifications: Business, procurement, or construction-related degree; CIPS qualification beneficial
Key Skills: Negotiation, supplier management, budgeting, market research
Best for: Strong communicators and decision-makers who excel at managing costs and supplier relationships

Buyers are responsible for sourcing materials, negotiating prices, and ensuring the best value for construction projects. Their role is vital for keeping costs under control and ensuring quality materials are used.

Project Manager:

Salary: £40K-£90K+
Qualifications: Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field; experience & certifications (e.g., CIOB, PRINCE2) can help
Key Skills: Leadership, problem-solving, budgeting, scheduling, risk management
Best for: Strong leaders who thrive under pressure and enjoy overseeing large-scale projects

Project Managers oversee construction projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Their leadership is crucial in coordinating teams and handling unexpected challenges.

Contracts Manager:

Salary: £40K-£85K
Qualifications: Degree in Construction Management, Law, or Quantity Surveying; CIOB or RICS accreditation beneficial
Key Skills: Contract negotiation, risk assessment, legal knowledge, dispute resolution
Best for: Detail-oriented professionals with strong legal awareness who enjoy managing contracts and compliance

Contracts Managers ensure that all agreements between clients, suppliers, and contractors are legally sound and fair. Their role is essential in preventing disputes and maintaining smooth project operations.

Site Manager:

Salary: £35K-£75K
Qualifications: Construction Management degree, HNC/HND, SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certification preferred
Key Skills: Team coordination, health & safety compliance, scheduling, problem-solving
Best for: Organised, decisive individuals who excel in overseeing on-site operations and managing teams

Site Managers are responsible for the day-to-day running of construction sites, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, and to specification. They act as the key link between on-site teams and project leaders.

Building Control Surveyor:

Salary: £30K-£65K
Qualifications: Degree in Building Control, Construction, or Civil Engineering; membership with CABE or RICS helpful
Key Skills: Regulatory compliance, site inspections, problem-solving, attention to detail
Best for: Methodical thinkers who enjoy ensuring buildings meet safety and legal standards

Building Control Surveyors ensure that buildings comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. They conduct site inspections and provide guidance on meeting legal requirements.

The Benefits of a Career in Construction

Working in construction offers numerous advantages beyond job variety. Some key benefits include:

Job Security – The demand for skilled professionals in construction remains high, ensuring long-term career stability.
Career Progression – Many roles offer clear career advancement opportunities with the right experience and qualifications.
Competitive Salaries – Construction roles often come with excellent earning potential, even at entry levels.
Diverse Opportunities – Whether you prefer office-based roles, site management, or financial planning, construction offers something for everyone.
Impactful Work – Contributing to buildings, infrastructure, and communities offers a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Exploring Your Future in Construction

The construction industry is far more than just manual labour, it’s an exciting, diverse field with countless opportunities for growth and success. Whether you’re analytical, a great negotiator, or a natural leader, there’s a role in construction that fits your skills. If you’re looking to start or progress your career in construction, now is the perfect time to explore the many pathways available. At FBR, we are proud to be the first recruitment company to partner with the University of Portsmouth. This partnership helps us better understand what motivates young people to enter the construction industry and stay informed on the evolving qualifications and roles within it. Our consultant, Cameron, has attended job fairs and lectures to connect directly with students, offering the guidance and support they need to secure a career that suits them.

Are you ready to take the next step in your construction career? Get in touch with us at FBR Construction Recruitment today and let’s build your future together!

FBR Construction Recruitment – Your Trusted Partner for Skilled Trades, Labour, and Plant Operators, Serving Residential Developers, Main Contractors, Civil Engineering, and M&E Sectors.

As a specialist construction recruitment agency, we provide expert hiring solutions across the South East, Home Counties, and South Coast of the UK. Our coverage includes Chichester, Portsmouth, Guildford, Poole, Bournemouth, Winchester, Basingstoke, Cardiff, Bristol, Devon, Exeter, Crawley, Oxford, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re a contractor, developer, civil engineering firm, or a professional seeking construction job opportunity, FBR Recruitment is here to connect you with the right people.

For reliable construction staffing solutions, contact FBR Construction Recruitment today.

Look for entry level jobs in Civil Engineering

Look for entry level jobs in Civil Engineering
Whether you’re looking to start your career or want to change your career, entry level jobs are the key to unlocking your potential. In today’s current working climate it isn’t only necessary to have the qualifications to obtain a role, but also experience. Entry level jobs are essential to gaining that experience.

There are many entry level jobs within civil engineering. It all depends on the skills you have and what works for you. Let’s look into entry level jobs in civil engineering in detail.

What is civil engineering?

Civil engineering is a part of engineering that focuses entirely on design and maintenance of public builds and structures such as bridges, roads, dams, and various buildings.

It is a key part of the construction industry and what makes the world as we know it what it is. Without civil engineering we wouldn’t have the infrastructure necessary to evolve and move with technology and mechanics.

What are entry level jobs in civil engineering?

Civil engineering jobs are varied and so there are many different entry level jobs into the industry. Depending on the area you want to work in, the entry level job may vary along with salary, qualification requirements, as well as demand.

Some civil engineering entry level jobs are:

Entry level Transportation Engineer

This role focuses on transportation and infrastructure. You will need to have a degree in Civil Engineering as well as an interest in transportation design.

There will be various programs you would need to have experience in and each role will detail the specific skills and qualifications needed.

Junior Quantity Surveyor

The role of a junior quantity surveyor is essential in many different ways. You will be preparing build costs, procurement, contract administration as well as other administrative duties.

This role can have various requirements for qualifications. There are many soft skills required in this role such as: Attention to detail, highly motivated, and people skills.

Coastal Engineer – Coastal and Flood Risk

The role of a coastal and flood risk engineer is essential to helping plan and prepare flood risk locations. From planning, appraisal and design.

A coastal and flood risk engineer will be required to assist in research and support projects, analyse data, as well as design and coordination of rivers, wetlands and coastal habitat restoration.

Degrees in engineering and Coastal engineering or related discipline is essential for these types of civil engineering entry level positions.

As you can see the civil engineering entry level roles are varied. From project management, to planning and design, down to engineering. One key variable to consider is to look for a field of Civil Engineering that interests you.

How do I find an entry level job in civil engineering?

Finding entry level jobs in civil engineering can seem like a daunting task. However, working with the right recruitment agency can help make your job search easier.

Here at FBR, we work with you to find the right role that works for you. Finding your passion and continuing to pursue it is essential for complete career enjoyment. Our recruitment agents have extensive experience within the construction industry and as such we understand the requirements construction and civil engineering companies are looking for.

Visit our Jobs Board for more information on current roles. Or speak with our recruitment agents for more information.