Construction Jobs in Scotland

The construction sector is generally associated with the construction of buildings or engineering projects (e.g., motorways and utility systems). Construction work carried out may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs. Some of these skills are considered ‘Trade’ where you spend years learning, or study at college as required.

Scottish construction firms’ confidence in business prospects over the next 12 months has fallen for the first time this year, according to a report by Construction News, published in October 2011.

Over the past few years the UK has seen the house building market drop, this has resulted in numerous talented workers seeking employment elsewhere. Some of which, will not return to the construction sector as they have secured alternative work. Talented construction workers who have worked on multiple projects, especially for blue-chip organisations are rare these days. With companies looking to expand again in the next few years, the concern is on meeting the project build requirements with appropriate skilled labour.

Construction Jobs that you would see advertised are:
 

  • Architect
  • Carpentry
  • Electrician
  • Fit-Out Manager
  • Fitter
  • Foreman
  • HSE Manager
  • Joiner
  • Labourer
  • Painter
  • Plasterer
  • Plumbin
  • Quantity Surveying
  • Senior Engineer
  • Site Manager
  • Tiler

If you are looking to start working in the Construction sector, there are a few qualifications that you may wish to consider. Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) - The CSCS was established in 1995 with the objective of helping raise quality standards in the construction industry. Its site safety qualification – the CSCS card – is well established and in May 2007, the millionth card was issued. Any agency or employer will ask for a copy of your CSCS card, this must be kept up-to-date, otherwise you will be asked to leave the job.

In addition, The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is working to fulfil the skills and productivity needs of the UK through the construction industry's Sector Skills Agreement. The construction industry's SSA, negotiated by Construction Skills, is a series of agreements between training providers, employers and Government.

The salaries within the Construction sector are;

Construction Site Manager – Between £30,000 - £35,000 pa
Energy Surveyor – Up to £25,000 pa
Health & Safety Officer - £30,000 - £40,000 pa
Quantity Surveyor – Between £37,000 - £45,000 pa
Structural Engineer – Between £30,000 - £42,000 pa
Surveyor – Between £15,000 - £26,000 pa

Hourly rates / Daily Rates you can expect in the Construction sector are:

Building Control / Building Standards – up to £24 ph
Building Surveyor – up to £190 per day
Cherry Picker Operator - £8 - £10 ph
General Labourer – up to £8 ph
Multiskilled Electrician - £11 - £13 ph
Site Manager - £20 ph +

It was reported in July 2011, that things were looking up in London, but the rest of the country was lagging behind. Recent analysis has not shown any results that vary from this.

If you are looking to enter the Construction Industry for work, our advice is to start work through an Agency. These agencies have national contracts with blue-chip organisations and can help you to get your ‘foot in the door’. When you start working make sure you introduce yourself to your superior, and make a point of learning from as many of your superiors as possible. A good attitude can be hard to find in the workplace, so this will help your chances of being kept on (if temping) and can lead to other opportunities.

You need to ensure you either have, or are given, protective clothing i.e. Hi-Vis vest, Rigger Boots, Safety Goggles, Hard-Hat. If the agency or employer does not supply these, ask around to find the best price. Your protective clothing is vital for the job, if you turn up for work without this, you will be asked to go home, you may even lose the job. Blue-Chip companies state very clearly what you are expected to wear for work so that you can safely carry out the work. If you have any questions about this, ask your superior or agency consultant.

Scottish Jobs On The Net have strong working relationships with both employers and agencies in the Construction industry. Bookmark this page and make sure to be updated on vacancies in Scotland, as they arise.

Scottish Jobs On The Net for all Construction Industry jobs, temporary, contract or permanent.

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