A Future in Construction Careers Guide

A focus on craft, technical and professionalopportunities within the construction industry

Contents

PAGE

A Future in Construction 02

World Class Industry 03

Progression Map for Northern Ireland 04

Opportunities in the Industry 05

CRAFT 06 - 12

TECHNICAL 13 - 16

PROFESSIONAL 17 - 24

What’s Next 25

Qualifications 26

Construction Ambassadors 27

Women in Construction 28

02

A FUTURE IN CONSTRUCTION

It’s all about working together

Choose a career in construction and you won’t be starting out on yourown. You’ll be joining a team of specialist people all working togetherto build a strong, long-lasting future.

Whatever your role is in the industry, if it’s as a bricklayer or plasterer,civil engineer, architect or construction manager, every team member isas important as the next. So whether your talent is working with yourhead or hands, you can be sure there’s a career in construction foryou.

This booklet has been produced to give you an insight into the hugerange of careers the construction industry has to offer. It gives you anidea of what each job is like and what skills you’ll need to succeed.

There are also useful websites that will help:

www.bconstructive.co.uk

www.citbcsni.org.uk

THE CAREERS

"The construction industry gives you the opportunity to create partof the built environment that people can enjoy."

Construction boasts a wide variety of careers including skilled manuallabour, project management, IT, marketing, design and much more.Construction needs people with creative, technical, management andpractical skills. So whether you like figuring out how things work,making things with your hands, working in a team, taking charge ofprojects or you really like designing things, there’s definitely a career foryou.

To get started, all you need are the basics.

• Your career in any area of the construction industry will require commitment and enthusiasm.

• Whether you go to college, learn on site, or go to university you’ll be given specialist training for your chosen career.

• You’ll be given comprehensive training in all aspects of health and safety. This next section will help you decide which kinds of job suit you best.

03

A WORLD-CLASS INDUSTRY

Join one of Northern Ireland’s largest industries and you’ll have chosena career that’s challenging, exciting and rewarding.

You’ll also be joining an industry that’s respected around the globe.Britain has a reputation for worldclass design, inspirational architectureand the highest quality building work.

It’s hard not to be amazed by some of the innovative constructionprojects we’ve seen over the last few years. Victoria Square in Belfast,Newry Bypass and the Millennium Forum in the North West to namebut a few.

As part of the construction team you could build your local hospital,your football team’s stadium, or manage the construction of anecological success story like The Ecos Centre, Ballymena.

04

GCSE

Craft/Operative Vocational Learning

Qualifications

Programme Led Apprenticeships & Apprenticeships NI Level 3

Professional/Managerial/

Technical Vocational Competence Qualifications

Professional/Managerial/

Technical Vocational Learning

Qualifications

UndergraduateDegree

Technical Membership of

Professional Institution

ProfessionalDevelopment

PostgraduateDegree

Associate Membership of

Professional Institution

ProfessionalDevelopment

Full Membership of Professional

Institution

ProfessionalDevelopment

Craft Operative Vocational Competence

Qualifications

WO

RK

BA

SE

D L

EA

RN

ING

AS/A Level

Programme Led Apprenticeships & Apprenticeships NI Level 2

Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment

Skills for work

Progression Map for Northern Ireland

05

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INDUSTRY

The next few pages describe the huge range of careers available atcraft level. All these jobs are part of the team that makes theconstruction industry work together.

Your future in one of Northern Ireland’s largest industriesWhat you get out of a career depends on you. You may enjoy thehands-on satisfaction of actually making things. Or you may be moreinterested in a management or professional role, such as surveying orplanning.

No one day is the same as the next. You may spend some time in theoffice and some time working outdoors, in an environment that’sconstantly changing.

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn on the job. Because there’s amassive range of training available at all levels, there are lots ofopportunities to progress within the industry. Who knows, you mighteven end up running your own business.

Key benefits of working in construction

• Be an important part of a team• Make a real difference to the environment from city

regeneration to ensuring essential facilities are available.• Enjoy a huge variety of work• The opportunity to work abroad• Get complete job satisfaction in the knowledge that you

helped build something that will last a lifetime or longer• Give yourself the freedom to start your own business• Start at any level and work your way to the top• Work towards a range of respected professional qualifications• Put your creative skills to the test• Work with your hands and your head

“This dynamic industry presents work that is full of diversity andchallenges; with the changing face of construction, it’s a great timeto be able to make a contribution.”

06

CRAFT OCCUPATIONS

07

The Construction Team - Craft Occupations

Team Work

“It’s a great feeling being part of a team. Everyone works together to getthe job done.”

CraftOccupations

WoodOccupations

TrowelOccupations

Wall & FloorTiling

Painting &Decorating

PlantOccupations

GeneralConstruction

Operative

08

CRAFT OCCUPATIONS

WOOD OCCUPATIONS

The job: Wood remains one ofthe key materials used inconstruction today, and workingwith it can provide a rewardingliving. Overall, woodworkers willneed to enjoy using their hands,as well as a variety of hand andpower tools. Good handeye co-ordination is essential for workingin wood occupations, as areaccurate measuring skills. Beingorganised and able to work in ateam really helps. Many jobsinvolve working inside and out, soyou’re not always stuck in thesame place.

Bench Joiner

The job: Bench joiners usetheir skills to manufacture goodsout of wood, which includespreparing and putting together.They prepare and put togetherdoors, windows, staircases andfitted furniture, usingwoodworking tools and specialistmachinery. Usually based in aworkshop, bench joinerssometimes travel out toconstruction sites.

Carpenter and Joiner

The job: Carpenters and joinersprepare and put into place mostof the wooden parts of buildings –from floorboards and roof trussesto expertly crafted windows anddoors. They use very specializedwoodworking tools and work withmany different kinds of wood.

Wood Machinist

The job: Wood machinistsprepare and shape timber for usein making floorboards, skirtingboards and window frames. Mostof the work is carried out in amachine shop with specialistequipment. In fact, a large part ofthe job involves setting up,maintaining and operatingmachines safely, so it helps to bemechanically minded.

Formworker

The job: Formworkers maketemporary wood or metalstructures, used like a mould intowhich wet concrete is poured.Once the concrete is set, the formis removed to reveal perfectly

“The Construction Industry gives you the opportunity to create partof the built environment that people can enjoy.”

09

shaped pieces of concrete.Formwork is used in theconstruction of anything madefrom concrete, including bridges,foundations, suspended floors,beams and staircases.

Shopfitter

The job: Next time you go roundthe shops, take a look at thedifferent styles of decoration andtypes of materials used to fit themout. The people who areresponsible for this are skilledshopfitters. Working fromdesigners’ plans, they choose,cut and shape the materials thattransform an empty room into asophisticated interior that makesyou want to spend your cash.Once the shops are shut,shopfitters often need to workthrough the night to get the jobdone. This is an indoor job forpeople who are looking for varietyand the opportunity to work withdifferent skills and materials.

TROWEL OCCUPATIONS

The job: Working with the hardermaterials, such as brick andstone, can be quite creative.Stonemasons and bricklayers areoften called on to produce

interesting decorative effects.The trowel occupations alsodemand practical people who canwork quickly and repetitively, oftenhigh above the ground.

Bricklayer

The job: This is probably the jobthat most people think of whenyou mention the constructionindustry. But they probably don’tappreciate the many differenttypes of material that bricklayersuse, and the different effects theycan create (such as ornamentalwalls and vaulted archways).Bricklayers also use a variety ofspecialist tools to spread mortar,cut bricks or blocks to size and tocheck that walls are perfect.

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The people: If you want to be abricklayer, you’ll have to like thegreat outdoors and not mindworking at heights. Bricklayersalso have to be physically fit,careful, accurate and able tofollow detailed instructions fromarchitects. Bricklayers often get totravel around the country, andsometimes abroad.

Plasterer

The job: Most people knowabout one part of the plasterer’swork: applying wet finishes towalls, ceilings and floors. This iscalled solid plastering.Alternatively, fibrous plasteringinvolves making ornamentalplasterwork in a workshop – thekind you might see on the ceilingsof decorative buildings.

The people: Plasterers have tobe prepared to climb ladders, andwill spend most of their timeindoors. As a plasterer, you willneed to become an expert atusing the specialist tools of thetrade.

WALL AND FLOOR TILER

The job: Wall and floor tilers canachieve quite spectacular results

using coloured and textured tilesto decorate the inside ofbuildings. Tilers might work in adomestic bathroom one week,and in a huge factory using vast,heavy-duty tiles the next.

The people: Due to the variety oflocations they’re called to work in,tilers have to be flexible andadaptable. They also have to begood with their heads as well astheir hands – at the very least,able to work out how many tilesan Olympic size swimming poolmight need.

PAINTER AND DECORATOR

The job: Much of what paintersand decorators do in theconstruction industry is nothinglike the work they do in homes.Oil rigs, bridges and steelworkneed heavy-duty coatings, whilestately homes and five-star hotelsneed painters and decoratorswho can skillfully apply gold leafto ornamental staircases.

The people: Naturally, you needto be good with your hands. Mostof the work is indoors, but someis outdoors. You’ll need to beprepared to travel to different sitesas well. But it’s not just about big

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buildings and bridges; many jobslet you show off your artistic skillsand design flare.

PLANT OCCUPATIONS

The job: Plant occupationsinvolve understanding and usingheavy machinery, both on site andin mechanical workshops. A goodeye for safety is required, andplant operators need to be able tocommunicate well with the peoplethey’re working with. As you’reworking with machinery that’soften complex, you’ll be trained touse all the specialist tools and tounderstand how the machineswork.

Plant Operator

The job: Plant operators areinvolved in various types of work:earthmoving (e.g. operatingbulldozers, excavators, diggers),crane driving and materialshandling (e.g. using forklifts andtelescopic handlers). Some of themachines are quite breathtaking.They can move hundreds oftonnes of earth in a day or lift veryheavy loads into place fromground level. As you mightexpect, safety is paramount.

Plant Mechanic

The job: A plant mechanic looksafter all the plant: the light andheavy-duty machinery used onconstruction sites, such asdiggers, cranes and trucks. Theymake sure that the plant runsproperly and have to be on handwhen something breaks down.Plant mechanics are crucial toconstruction projects. Machinerythat isn’t working properly canhold up the whole process, oftenat a cost of thousands of pounds.

The people: You’ll have to likemachines and be mechanicallyminded if you want to do thiswork. You’ll need to be prepared

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for hands-on work too.Depending on your job and theprojects you’re involved in, youmay have to be out on site as wellas in the workshop.

GENERAL CONSTRUCTIONOPERATIVE

The job: General constructionoperatives are masters of manytrades, with an extraordinarilywide range of skills. Some of theareas that general constructionoperatives are often involved inare concreting, formworking andtimbering. And, as you mightexpect, there’s a great demandfor these people.

The people: This is a job forpeople who enjoy doingsomething different every week. Aspell installing timber in trenchesto make them safe to work incould be followed by a few daysconcreting the floor of an officeblock. You’ll have to knowdifferent safety procedures foreach job you do. Above all, you’llhave to be flexible – happy towork indoors, outdoors, at greatheights or depths.

This is not an exhaustive list of allthe craft occupations within theconstruction industry.

13

TECHNICAL, SUPERVISORY ANDMANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIESIN THE INDUSTRY

14

The Construction Team - Technical Support

There are also a range of technician and professional careersthe construction industry has to offer.

TechnicalSupport

Building Technician

Buyer

DesignTechnician

Civil EngineeringTechnician

EstimatorPlantTechnician

Site Technician

Site Inspector

ConstructionPlanner

A career in technical support can be exciting and varied. It covers abroad range of disciplines and is an important part of theconstruction team. Everyone working in technical support has thesame key skills in common – they’re good organisers andcommunicators and all have strong business skills. Below are justsome of the jobs in technical support – you might recognise a few ofthese. Often people will work across a number of these jobs, so it’salways interesting and challenging.

15

TECHNICAL SUPPORTOCCUPATIONS

Building Technician

The Job: The job is involved withthe side of the industry thatconstructs buildings. Buildingtechnicians may work on-sitesupervising operations or in anoffice – drawing up plans,schedules and documents. Moreoften than not, it will be a mixtureof the two.

Buyer

The Job: Once a constructionproject gets underway, a buyercontributes to the selection ofsuppliers. The buyer also ensuresmaterials, labour and plant are alldelivered on time and withinbudget.

Design Technician

The Job: If you have an interest inIT and want to use your skills,why not consider applying it tosomething really exciting like theconstruction industry? ComputerAided Design Technicians usedrawings to prepare informationfor construction.They work in a variety of fields

such as architecture, buildingservices, building, civil andstructural engineering.

Civil EngineeringTechnician

The Job: Civil EngineeringTechnicians work in constructingroads, bridges, tunnels and othermajor construction projects.

Estimator

The Job: Estimators help with thepreparation, processing andsubmission of tenders (this is theway contractors get most of theirwork) and cost estimates for aproject.

Plant Technician

The Job: You will get involved inbuying, hiring and organising allthe plant and equipment used ona construction site, from diggersto large cranes. The key thing isto make sure that budgets arestuck to, and everything meetsthe technical requirements.

Construction Planner

The Job: They will make sure thatthe construction project is built

16

with the right resources to theright quality and cost, on time andsafely.

Site Inspector

The Job: A building and civilengineering site inspector usesinspection and testing methods toconfirm that the quantity andquality standards of materials,workmanship and assembly aresatisfactory. They also ensure thathealth and safety aspects arebeing adhered to.

Site Technician

The Job: These technicians assistin the construction of works byproviding quality control andinformation needed to support ateam of workers. This team mightinclude, amongst others,supervisors, managers, andoperators of specialist equipment.Most of the work is based on aconstruction site.

17

PROFESSIONAL ROLES

18

Designers

Planners

Design, Engineering, Finance, Management &Planning

Construction offers a number of opportunities in the above areas. Alot of this type of work takes place before a project even gets to thephysical building stage. Creative people, financial experts and legalprofessionals all play a part in getting a project off the ground. Oncethe construction work begins, construction managers, engineersand surveyors organise all the people working on the site to ensurethat what is built matches the original designs.

Design, Engineering,

Finance, Management &

Planning

Surveyors

Engineers

ConstructionManagers

19

DESIGNERS

Architect

The Job: Architects come up withimaginative new buildingsdesigned to meet the needs ofusers and the environment as wellas solutions for restoring orreusing old buildings. Architectureis a very practical and creativefield to work in and may involve:• Working closely with the client

to establish their requirements for a new building.

• Preparing design information fornew building as drawings or models

• Using CAD – computer aided design

• Co-ordinating and managing others

• Problem solving• Research• Selecting materials and building

elements such as window typesor floor finishes.

The People: As an architect, youneed more than just an eye fordetail. You have to deal with localauthorities to obtain planningpermission and choose thebuilding materials to meet aclient’s specific needs. You willalso need to be a goodcommunicator as you will have toconstantly liaise with theconstruction team, clients and

team members. To find out moreabout a career as an architect,visit www.architecture.com orwww.rsua.org.uk

Architectural Technologist

The Job: A CharteredArchitectural Technologist is aspecialist in the science ofarchitecture and they help make abuilding project come to life. As aChartered ArchitecturalTechnologist you would work veryclosely with other constructionprofessionals, creating solutionsto enable a building to beconstructed and even managethe process.

Your role may involve:• providing architectural design

services and solutions• specialising in the science of

architecture, building design and construction

• forming the link between concept and construction

• negotiating the construction project

• managing the process from conception through to completion.

The People: As an architecturaltechnologist, you will need greatinterpersonal skills and creativity,and you should be able to thinkthings through in a logical way.

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You will also need to be a goodnegotiator as you’ll be dealingwith strict planning and building authorities. To find outmore visit www.ciat.org.uk

Urban Designer

The Job: Urban design is theprocess of shaping cities, townsand villages. It is the art of makingplaces. Urban designers considerthe bigger picture and their workmay involve:• Producing drawings and models

of design proposals• Involving local people in the

process of creating new proposals

• Analysing existing spaces and working out how to improve them.

• Assessing the impact of changeon different environments

The People: Urban designers aregood at understanding the useand function of spaces, they alsoenjoy coming up with innovativedesign solutions and areinterested in how people live anduse the city.

To find out more please visitwww.udg.org.uk

ENGINEERS

Civil Engineer

The Job: Civil Engineers work toconnect people, places andresources together. They do thisin many ways for examplebuilding transport connections,waterways, dams and buildings.We can take for granted smallthings like travelling on the bus,and having constant access toclean drinking water but withoutcivil engineers this would not bepossible.

The People: A civil engineer’s roleis varied and stimulating and mayinclude:• Concept and detailed design

proposals for new bridges or tunnels

• Preparing drawings and detailedreports on new proposals for clients

• Computing calculations for new structures on site.

To find out more please visitwww.ice.org.uk

21

Structural Engineer

The Job: Structural engineers area key part of the design andconstruction team, often workingalongside civil engineers andarchitects, on the creation ofstructures of all kinds fromhouses, theatres, sports stadiaand hospitals to bridges, oil rigs,office blocks and space satellites.

The People: A StructuralEngineer’s role may include:• Advising on the best choice of

materials• Using mathematical calculations

to predict how a structure will react to various loads and stresses

• Communicating the design of the structure through drawings, specifications and computer models so that others can build it

• Designing and testing the foundations for a new building.To find out more visitwww.istructe.org.uk

Building Services Engineer

The Job: Building servicesengineers make buildingscomfortable and safe for peopleto live, work and learn in. Theywork with the other members of

the design team to ensure abuilding is the right temperature,well ventilated and well lit.

A building services engineer’s rolemay include:• Ensuring buildings use

resources like water and energyin an environmentally sensitive way

• Designing the lighting levels andchoosing appropriate light sources

• Using design software to create the best layout for power outlets and computer points

• Planning how gas, electricity and water will enter and be distributed around a building.

The People: If this sounds likeyour field, you need to have aninterest in science, especiallyphysics. You’ll also have to bekeen on protecting theenvironment because you’ll bemaking sure that all types ofenergy are used efficiently. For more information visitwww.cibse.org

SURVEYORS

Quantity Surveyor

The Job: Quantity surveyors (alsoknown as cost consultants)

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manage and advise on all of thecosts of a construction project.Quantity Surveyors may workclosely with the client or thecontractors to ensure a project isboth efficient, on budget andprofitable.

Quantity surveyors are theaccountants of the industryenjoying high levels ofresponsibility. They arecomfortable working withnumbers, analysing drawn orwritten information and reportingback to the client or design team.They also have a greatunderstanding of the buildingprocess and the legal issuesinvolved.

The People: On most projects,your key responsibilities couldinvolve:• Carrying out initial studies to

estimate materials, time and labour costs

• Putting together detailed information listing all of the materials and processes required to complete a project so that the contractors can put in an accurate price.

• Monitoring each stage of construction to make sure that costs are in line with forecasts

• Providing financial reports to clients

• Providing legal and contract advice to the client.

For more information visitwww.rics.org

Building Surveyor

The Job: Building surveyorsprovide professional advice on thedesign, maintenance; repair andrefurbishment of buildings. Thenature of the work may vary inscale from multimillion poundstructures to modest adaptationsand repairs. It may also includeworking with buildings ofarchitectural or historicimportance. Building surveyorshave good observational skills, avery good understanding of howbuildings are constructed,are practical with good problemsolving skills.

Your responsibilities could include:• Assessing structural faults in

buildings• Providing solutions for structural

problems• Advising on the building

regulations• Taking action on dangerous

structures• Attending court to present

evidence.

The People: If you fancy helpingto keep our heritage then this

23

could be the job for you. It offersgreat variety including carrying outstructural surveys, doing legalwork, preparing plans andspecifications and advising peopleabout energy saving,conservation matters and thepreservation of old buildings. Ifyou’d like to know more visitwww.rics.org orwww.ciob.org.uk

Land Surveyor

The Job: Land surveyors(sometimes known as GeomaticSurveyors) advise on the featuresof a particular piece of land byproviding accurate measurementsof natural and man-madestructures. As you can imaginewhen you create a new building itis important to have detailedinformation on the land levels, orthe exact position of waterfeatures, underground serviceslike drains, pipes and trees beforestarting construction.

The People: Land surveyors needto have good observational skills,be confortable working withnumbers and confident usingcomputers and software. Landsurveyors tend to work outdoorsalot, as well as in an office. Yourrole could involve:

• Measuring and recording, storing and communicating geographical information

• Using CAD computer aided design and geomatic software to create site plan drawings or models.

For more information visitwww.rics.org

CONSTRUCTIONMANAGERS

The Job: Construction sitemanagers run building sites, liaisewith architects, planners,engineers, surveyors, tradespeople and suppliers to ensurethat projects are completedsafely, on time and on budget.They can often be described assite managers as their role is torun a construction site. They aredifferent to project managers,who coordinate all aspects of theoverall project, whereasconstruction managers areresponsible for coordinating thebuilding of the project.

The People: Constructionmanagers must be good problemsolvers and forward planners.They have great people skills andare good at presenting anddebating ideas in meetings. Theyhave an in-depth knowledge of all

24

aspects of the constructionbusiness, are well organised andhave good numeracy skills. Yourwork would typically include:• Discussing construction

proposals with the design team and client

• Working to the construction programme

• Managing the work and safety of all staff working on or visiting the site

• Monitoring progress, costs and checking quality

• Reporting regularly to the client and design team

• Liaising with the local authority to ensure the building is constructed to building regulation standards.

For more information visitwww.ciob.org.uk/home orwww.apm.org.uk

Project Managers

The Job: Project managers bringabout the successful completionof a project. A “project” could becoordinating anything from arelatively small scale building likethe conversion of a loft in a houseright up to a huge project such asbuilding the Victoria Square.

In doing so, they takeresponsibility for the total control

of a project from initial conceptionto the finished product. They haveto coordinate a lot of differentprofessions which involves asignificant amount ofcommunicating and organising.

The People: Project Managersare good leaders and are able toguide and motivate the team.They also need to communicatewell in writing. They are very goodorganisers who enjoy a challenge,working to deadlines and havegood problem solving skills.

For more information visitwww.apm.org.uk orwww.ciob.org.uk/home

25

PLANNERS

Planners are involved in helping developments that assist economicgrowth, they are also instrumental in protecting our environment andarchitectural heritage. In fact you could say that planners balance thevarious needs of the environment, the local economy and the localpopulation with innovative planning solutions.

Town PlannerThe Job: Planners oversee thedevelopment of entire towns orregions. They must understandthe needs of the localenvironment, economy andpopulation. Planning can be veryrewarding as it has a majorimpact on the environment inwhich people live and work.

The People: A town planner’swork may involve: • Consulting local residents,

businesses and other

stakeholders over planned development.

• Reviewing and commenting on proposals for new buildings or changes in use of an existing building.

• Developing new strategies for how an area should develop.

• Making sure new buildings are sustainable and environmentallyfriendly

• Protecting historic buildings or areas.

For more information please visitwww.rtpi.org.uk

26

WHATS NEXT?

Now that you have decided construction is for you, this informationwill help you take your next steps.

Work Experience

There’s no better way to really test the waters than to gain on-the-job experience. Construction offers a huge variety and number ofwork placements and can be invaluable in deciding if a career inconstruction is for you. Placements last for several weeks and aredesigned to be safe and structured so that the most is made of yourtime. Most schools run work experience schemes and may be ableto arrange one for you.

27

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Below are descriptions of some ofthe qualifications available topeople already working or lookingto start their career inconstruction.

Apprenticeships

These schemes help you to work,learn, earn and get qualificationsall at the same time. For example,they enable you to achievequalifications with planned andmonitored work experience.

QCF VocationalQualifications

The QCF is a new frameworkdesigned to make vocationalqualifications in Northern Irelandeasier to understand and simplerto use. These are qualificationsthat you obtain by proving thatyou can do a job throughassessments during the course,rather than by passing exams.You get them through acombination of workplace andcollege experience which areavailable as awards, certificatesand diplomas.

Higher Qualifications

Higher National Certificate (HNC)Higher National Diploma (HND)

These are technical qualificationsand are part-time and full-time.You could start theseprogrammes at 16 or 18 e.g. afterA Levels you could start a HND.

Foundation Degree

These offer a mix of vocationaland academic learning and areflexible in terms of training time.Generally, they can be achieved inthree years studying part-time ortwo years studying full-time.

Degree Programmes

For these qualifications, you willusually study three or four yearsfull-time at university. Degreesallow people who like academicstudy to specialise in a certainsubject. You should take a degreeprogramme that has beenaccredited by a professionalinstitution.

Professional Qualifications

Each professional organisationrepresents a particular profession,such as engineering, surveying orarchitecture. Membership will beevidence of your abilities and animportant badge of recognition ifyou decide to work overseas.

If you are interested in finding outmore about entry criteria androutes into training speak to acareers adviser.

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“Construction is all about enthusiasm and teamwork. I work withpeople from all walks of the construction industry and beyond todevelop a project from concept through costing and design toconstruction and completion. It’s very satisfying to stand beside astructure and know I had a hand in building it.”

CONSTRUCTION AMBASSADORS

CITB-ConstructionSkills NorthernIreland has developed aConstruction Ambassadorprogramme to help promotecareer opportunities within theindustry and interact with youngpeople within schools.

What is a ConstructionAmbassador?

Construction Ambassadors are aregional network of people whoalready work in the industrycovering all trades andprofessions, who give youngpeople a real life perspective ofthe industry by visiting schoolsand attending careersconventions giving first handinformation on what it is like towork in construction.ConstructionAmbassadors are the faces of theindustry, sharing positiveexperiences with young peoplewho are considering constructionas a career.

Through Construction, studentscan learn about health & safety,equal opportunities and the worldof work and a ConstructionAmbassador enhances the linkbetween education andemployment.

Ambassadors are able to inspire,enthuse and inform students andteachers about the builtenvironment and the opportunitiesa career in construction maybring.

The construction industry inNorthern Ireland has womenworking in all areas of the industryincluding - joinery, health andsafety, plastering, civilengineering, site investigations,architecture, painting anddecorating, landscapearchitecture, road building, projectmanagement, boat building,plumbing, quantity surveyors, etc.

The Women in ConstructionNetwork has been developed byCITB-ConstructionSkills NorthernIreland, to support all localwomen engaged in theconstruction industry.

For more information onWomen in Construction log onto: www.wicn.co.uk

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION NETWORK FORNORTHERN IRELAND

CITB-ConstructionSkills Northern IrelandNutts Corner Training Centre17 Dundrod RoadCrumlinBT29 4SRwww.citbcsni.org.ukwww.bconstructive.co.uk

Tel: 028 9082 5466Fax: 028 9082 5693

Email: info@citbcsni.org.uk

CITB-ConstructionSkills, CIC and CITB-ConstructionSkillsNorthern Ireland are working in partnership as ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for Construction

on 028 9082