Construction Operative
What is the work like?
As a construction operative (also known as a groundworker or labourer) you would work closely with skilled tradespeople on building sites. You could work on projects ranging from new housing developments to roadbuilding.
At the start of a job, you would help to prepare site, such as putting up site huts, unloading and storing building materials, and setting up ladders and scaffolding.
Once work gets underway, your duties could include:
- groundworking – marking out and digging shallow trenches for foundations and drains
- formworking – putting up or dismantling the shuttering that holds setting concrete in place
- steel fixing – bending and fixing the bars used to reinforce concrete structures
- steel piling – fixing steel sheets together to form temporary retaining walls for excavation work
- concreting – layering and smoothing concrete for foundations, floors and beams
- roadworking – concreting, laying kerbs, paving and re-surfacing (see also the job profile for Road Worker).
You would use various hand, power and machine tools, or with further training, you could operate construction plant equipment such as dumper trucks or excavators.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Although there are no set entry requirements to become a construction operative, employers may prefer you to have some GCSEs, or equivalent vocational qualifications. You may also have an advantage if you have some on-site experience.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme with a building firm. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
You could take a college course, which, although not essential, would give you some of the skills needed for this type of work. Relevant courses include:
- City & Guilds (6217-08) Basic Construction Skills: Multi-crafts
- BTEC First Diploma in Construction
To work with construction plant machinery, such as excavators or dumper trucks, you will need to be 18 or over and have a driving licence. See the job profile for Construction Plant Operator for more details.
See the ConstructionSkills website for more information on construction careers and qualifications.
Visit the Know Your Place website for details on the campaign to promote the construction trades as a career choice for women.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you start work on site, you would receive on-the-job training with day or block release at a local college or training provider. This would normally lead to NVQ qualifications such as Construction and Civil Engineering Services (Construction Operations) at levels 1 and 2.
This NVQ includes options in:
- concreting
- drainage construction
- laying kerbs and channels
- excavation holes and trenches.
There are several other NVQs available, concentrating on particular construction jobs, for example roadbuilding, drilling operations, specialist installations and site supervision. See ConstructionSkills for more details.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. The card is proof of your skills and competence. To get your card you must:
- pass a health and safety assessment
- have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.
If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS or SkillsDirect for further details.
Where can I go for more information?
Bircham NewtonKing's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be up to £15,000 a year.
- With qualifications, operatives can earn between £17,000 and £20,500 a year.
- Experienced construction operatives with extra responsibilities could earn up to £24,000.
Overtime and various allowances can significantly increase income. Self-employed operatives negotiate their own rates.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work a basic 39-hour week, often starting early in the morning. Overtime at weekends and evenings may be required to meet deadlines. Seasonal work is common and working away from home on contracts may be necessary.
Most of your work would be on site, outdoors in all weathers and sometimes at heights. The work is physically demanding and often involves carrying heavy or awkward loads.
You would be expected to wear protective clothing, such as a safety helmet and boots.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good fitness levels
- a basic knowledge of building methods and materials
- good practical skills
- the ability to follow written and spoken instructions
- a good head for heights
- good teamworking skills
- an understanding of on-site health and safety.
What opportunities are there?
Although there is more demand for skilled tradespeople, opportunities are good due to the expansion across the country of building works and redevelopment.
You may have to travel for some contracts, for example the 2012 Olympic Games' building projects. There may also be opportunities for overseas work.
With the right training and experience, you may be able to become a craftperson, specialising in a construction trade and, from there, move into site supervision, estimating and eventually construction management.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
bConstructive
Construction Jobs Network
Jobcentre Plus
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