Five careers in housebuilding

Five careers in housebuilding by Amber Rolfe Ready to renovate your career?OK, so you’ve always been interested in building things, design and construction is your passion, and you just can’t get enough of Grand Designs. All that’s left to do is put your expertise to use in one of the many steps it takes to put together an actual house (step aside, Lego).To give you an idea of what you could do, here are just five of the best careers in house building, and our advice to help you get started:Architect What they do: Help to design, restore, and alter both new and old buildings â€" through research, client communication, and detailed drawings. Their role is not only to produce a functional design, but also to work with users and clients to ensure the plans are safe and economical. Although Architects are usually office-based, they may have to visit sites and clients to discuss and assess plans.What you need: Aside from good drawing skills, creativity, and an excellent imagination â€" Architects will al so need to be analytical with a great attention to detail. A degree in architecture is essential too, along with at least two years professional experience.What you can earn: Entry-level Architects start on around £28,000, with salaries rising up to £45,000 with experience.Perfect for: People who only play The Sims in build mode.Our advice: To make sure you’re heading in the right direction, it’s essential to study for five years (to gain an accredited degree) as well as work professionally for at least two years (as an assistant or trainee). Any other relevant experience will also improve your chances of being considered. Gathering an extensive portfolio of sketches and designs is a great way to increase your chances of being accepted onto a good course, and can show employers your capabilities accurately.How to become an ArchitectView all Architect jobs  BricklayerWhat they do: Although there are various jobs involved in the many aspects of house building, the structural fra mework all comes down to bricks and mortar â€" and it’s a Bricklayer’s job to put these together. They’re based primarily on-site, using specialist tools and equipment to mix cement and shape mortar in order to carefully align and lay bricks for walls, chimneys, archways, and other types of brickwork. They’re also responsible for carrying out measurements and checks to ensure each row of bricks is straight and level.What you need: An organised and methodical work ethic, alongside an ability to work well in a team. A good level of fitness is also essential. You won’t need any formal qualifications to become a Bricklayer, but you will have to apply for a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to get started.What you can earn: Salaries start at around £15,000, with highly experienced Brick Layers able to earn up to £30,000.Perfect for: People who always win at jenga.Our advice: There are many ways to get into brick laying â€" so all you have to do is pick one that suits you and your preferred working style. Whether you want to enter the role through an apprenticeship, start by getting work experience on a building site, or gain an industry-recognised qualification, getting involved in any way possible will improve your chances of being considered for a full-time position.How to become a BricklayerView all Bricklayer jobs  Joiner What they do: Build, cut, and put together wooden objects â€" without the use of nails or screws. Although their role crosses over with carpentry, Joiners are more concerned with the assembly of things like doors, floorboards, or window frames â€" whilst Carpenters are responsible for fitting them at a construction site. So whether they’re constructing a kitchen cabinet or putting together a staircase, a Joiner’s work is vital to the construction or renovation of any new home.What you need: An ability to follow detailed drawings and plans accurately, combined with a mathematical mind. You won’t need a degre e, but employers will often look for candidates with some experience in construction.What you can earn: Salaries may vary depending on how many hours you work and whether you’re self-employed â€" but typical incomes usually start at around £18,000, rising up to £35,000 with experience.Perfect for: People who can build something out of anything.Our advice: Consider gaining some on-site experience and/or relevant qualifications to enhance your practical skills and knowledge â€" and to make sure you’re standing out to employers. Whether you join through an apprenticeship, or start out as a Labourer or Joiner’s ‘mate’ â€" there are many ways to learn on-the-job and improve your chances of progressing into a career in joinery.How to become a JoinerView all Joiner jobs  Quantity Surveyor What they do: Manage the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects, to ensure they’re completed within a specified budget. They could work for a consultancy (meaning they fo cus on the design stage) or a contractor (meaning they’ll focus on the construction stage). Typical tasks will vary depending on this, but Quantity Surveyors could spend their day-to-day doing anything from assessing the costs of materials and adjusting budgets to preparing contracts and writing reports.What you need: An ability to convey complex information to non-specialists, combined with strong numeracy and financial management skills. Additionally, you’ll need to be able to use practicality and logic to solve problems and come up with innovative solutions. The role will also require candidates to have a degree that’s accredited by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).What you can earn: New Quantity Surveyors will usually earn between £20,000 and £30,000, which could rise to as much as £65,000 with experience.Perfect for: People who aren’t afraid of checking their bank account.  Our advice: Don’t worry if your degree isn’t in quantity surveying, as there are many postgraduate courses available to give you the essential skills needed to get started. And, even without a degree â€" it’s often possible to find work as a surveying assistant or technician whilst studying to become a fully qualified Quantity Surveyor.   How to become a Quantity SurveyorView all Quantity Surveyor jobs  Site Manager What they do: Also known as Project Managers or Construction Managers, Site Managers are responsible for supervising and running construction projects on-site. Whether it’s by liaising with clients, supervising construction workers, checking site reports, or making safety inspections â€" their role is all about overseeing a build and making sure it’s progressing. Not only do they ensure work is in line with specifications, they also work with Quantity Surveyors to monitor costs.What you need: Whilst communication skills and an ability to work well with and motivate others is essential, you’ll also need to be able to combine this wi th a great level of commercial awareness, decision-making ability, and building knowledge. Although a degree is usually required, extensive experience in construction could be enough to help you work your way up.  What you can earn: Typical starting salaries are around £27,000, which could rise up to £70,000 if you become a Senior Site Manager.Perfect for: People with who like to be in control.Our advice: If you’re not in a position to study full-time, don’t panic. Many construction courses can be studied part-time, and employers will offer sponsorship opportunities to help out with the cost of your degree.How to become a Project ManagerView all Site Manager jobs  Honourable mentions: Plumber, Electrician, Roofer, Carpenter, Scaffolder, Buyer, Planner, Engineer, Landscaper.Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now