Working in construction is an exciting prospect, with modern-day techniques and equipment at hand and new and innovative designs for buildings. However, it is not a career that is suited to everyone. If this is something you are considering, read on to discover whether the construction industry is right for you.

Some questions to ask yourself…

• Can you adapt your communication style based on who you are working with?
• Are you motivated by meeting deadlines?
• Are you organized?
• Do you like working with lots of different people?
• Do you like to solve problems?
• Do you get bored with doing one thing all of the time?
• Do you pay attention to detail?
• Are you practically minded?
• Are you fascinated by buildings?

If you find yourself saying ‘yes’ to most of these questions, then this is definitely a sector that would be of interest to you.

There are many different careers to choose from

It is important to acknowledge the sheer variety of roles that are available in the construction industry. Most people will find a job that is suited to their skills and their likes. If you are someone who likes to be in charge, consider starting off in site management, civil, structural or geotechnical engineering, or building services engineering.

If you like interpreting rules, site management is also a good area to consider, as well as building surveying, and architectural technology. If you like getting the best deal, both quantity surveying and building surveying may appeal. If you want to be out and about all day, you have numerous options, including site management, quantity surveying on-site, landscape architecture, on-site civil, structural, or geotechnical engineering, construction crafts and skilled traders, and building surveying.

Finally, if you are interested in designing, consider landscape architecture, civil, structural or geotechnical engineering, building services engineering, or architecture. As you can clearly see, there are many different areas to branch into, so make sure you explore them all when determining whether this is the right industry for you. You can discover more about different jobs in the construction industry here.

Doing things by the book

One thing you need to be aware of when it comes to the construction sector is how important it is to abide by various rules and regulations.

This is not an industry whereby you can cut corners or do things your own way. You will need to undergo health and safety training such as Site Safety Plus Training, as well as the standard training required for the role you are interested in.

If you ignore proper construction procedure or overlook health and safety rules, the impact could be devastating, resulting in serious injuries or even death. You need to be disciplined if you are to work in the construction sector.

Career progression

Last but not least, one of the great things about working in the construction industry is that there is ample opportunity for you to progress your career. A simple bricklayer could easily make their way to site supervisor, and then to a construction manager, so long as they are dedicated and work hard.

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.