How to Start a Career in UK Construction Industry

There is always a chance that you will be paid above the averages below, but in general I can see it this way:

Junior Engineer: 150 - 180

Setting Out Engineer:  220 - 280 depending on experience

Site Engineer:  250 - 300 depending on experience

Senior Engineer:  320 - 380

Also, Setting Out Engineer and Site Engineer are both very similar roles. Depending on the company, Site Engineer would be more involved in QA checks, concrete, materials orders etc - more responsibilities. However, don't be surprised if the role will be Setting Out Engineer, but you will have to do everything anyway.

IMPORTANT: to be up to date please check the information in the links provided - the rules often change and only the goverment information is the right one.

This lesson is quite long as Aleena really went into the detail. Really recommend for people who don't know anything abouth the visas in UK - great information, Thank you again Aleena!!

Please remember to check the latest information about the visas and right to work on the websites provided for the lesson - the rules often change!

A little update - Ideally would be to look for options with placement, as companies typically prioritize this option and you can also prove to company that you're valueable they will probably keep you later and offer you a job

IMPORTANT: please keep checking the information from the previous lesson (links in resources) as there are always changes to the rules eg. from 2027 graduate visa will be 18months not 2 years etc.

PAYE: Pay As You Earn - This refers to permanent employment with greater job security (though no job is entirely secure in today’s world!). You typically work directly for a main or principal contractor. The role is generally more stable and comfortable, though it often comes with a lower salary.

CIS: This stands for Construction Industry Scheme, where you’re self-employed and 20% tax is deducted from your earnings under the CIS arrangement. You have the flexibility to change jobs, but can be terminated at any time. This type of employment usually involves working for subcontractors in a quicker pace and busier environment. It also provides the potential for faster career progress and higher pay.

CSCS:

NEWS/UPDATE!!! From February 1st 2025, on first application the Labourer card will reduce from five years to two years, with workers who continue in labouring roles able to renew for five years by providing evidence they are employed in a labouring role. The accompanying CITB Health, safety, and environment test used for the initial two-year card application only will see its validity extended to three years, allowing it to be used for renewal.

- SO GREEN CARD is NOT THAT GOOD ANYMORE, BUT STILL MIGHT BE A GOOD CHOICE FOR THE START!

Please don't wait with it! Learn and book your test asap. The cost of taking the HS&E test is £22.50 and as I said passing the test is enough for the time being (especially when getting a red 6 months valid one) and when you find a job you can quickly apply for a physical card - cost £36. Apprentice cards are issued for free - but you need to be officialy an apprentice.

REMEMBER USE THE LINKS IN THE LESSON, DON'T OVERPAY!

If you enroll on the FREE courses in OHOB, or CAREYS academy you will get the CSCS card as well - plesae see lesson 17

TIP: If you pass the exam you don't have to order the card straightaway - your test is valid for 2 years, so you can wait with it till you get the job, although I recommend just to have CSCS and be ready.

Depending on project size your responsibilities will be changing. The smaller the project the more activities you will be involved in  - setting out & quality checks & concrete cubing (quantifying) & testing etc. The bigger the job the less responsibilities - setting out, or quality only etc.

As a beginner you really want to learn setting out first as this is the most looked after skill - knowing how to use survey equipment combined with reading the drawings will set you confortable in the market.

Little checklist for you:

1. Have you got Right to Work in UK

2. Do you understand how the industry works in terms of employment types

3. Have you got NIN (insurance number)

4. Have you registered as a self employed under the CIS scheme (if you go for SE type of jobs)

5. Have you booked your CSCS test / preparing for it

For me a  CV is your first impression and I don't like too much info on it, but there is also approach where people want to find more detail on it and know exactly what your experience is - not a general tasks keywords. As you do not have much experience I would try to fill CV with info like - use of Laser and Total Station - calibration checks, basic set ups, as builts etc etc (unless you never done it). Use of some CAD software. School projects regarding construction and anything regarding construction that you experienced.(Still keeping CV with max 2 pages)

As you can see on the attached CV our Graduate described a job not related with construction, but highligted the universal skills, which will be needed in the industry, so if you don't have any construction experience I would put whatever job but highlighting the skills you will need as a an engineer. If you have some construction experience I would try to keep the info construction focused only. Remember you are the one to create the final CV and the CV only won't give you a job anyway, so don't stress too much!

Can add as your hobby/interest - 3D scanning and digital construction (obviously read & watch about it and get it really become your hobby!)

Please check resources, choose the CV and highlight all your strong points and experiences.

TIP: When you will find your dream job, before applying - 'calibrate' your CV using some keywords from the job ad (very easy now with Chat GPT etc) - and make sure you know some basics about the role! If you know the company you applying - make sure you know about them as much as you can.

LINKEDIN: Please be active! Join relevant groups, engage with posts by commenting, and share your own updates. Once you start working, continue posting regularly—at least twice a week. Share small achievements, like marking your first wall or column, or cubing concrete for your first pour etc. Every bit of content counts!

LinkedIn is becoming increasingly important for construction recruitment, so it’s crucial to build and maintain an active profile. Your future employer will see your profile before meeting you, so make sure it makes a strong first impression.

If you haven’t used your free one-month trial yet, I highly recommend exploring LinkedIn Premium to understand its features. Make the most of it, as maintaining a premium membership can be quite costly if you decide to keep it.

TIP: Your LinkenIn link :) - you can customise your linkedIn link which is especially nice when added to CV eg.

instead of Greg-Stepien454380 --->  Greg-Stepien

Go to Me --> Edit Intro --> Edit contact info (at the bottom) --> edit your profile URL

CV-Library remains a valuable resource for job searching, so it’s important to keep your profile updated.

Occasionally updating your CV—even with minor changes or a new upload—helps ensure that recruiters see you as an active candidate - you pop up as a new person on the market :)

When applying for a job, carefully read the job description and tailor your CV to the role by incorporating relevant keywords and skills. This will improve your chances of standing out to recruiters.

I truly believe that Fixed represents the future of recruitment and will become the go-to platform for finding your dream job quickly and easily.

Think of Fixed as LinkedIn specifically for the construction industry, where your profile seamlessly matches with job opportunities. While it may take some time to become fully established, we’ll be using Fixed alongside CV-Library and LinkedIn in the meantime.

AGENCIES: Cons - in general more 'brutal' market, often lying about the jobs and rates. Pros - you can get a good job starting next day. Typically for Self Employed, but there are also more professional agencies looking for talent on behalf of main/principal contractors - in this case often for a permanent roles.

DIRECT: Cons - whole process is taking longer and will be more difficult to pass. Pros - it's more 'civilized' market and HR teams are professional. Typically for permanent PAYE positions often for Main Contractors.

Very important:

1. When you go for the interview read as much about the company as you can. Check their website, LinkedIn, see what projects they are involved. You might be asked 'have heard about our company?' etc

2. Despite you are starting you might be asked question - what do you know about the setting out and survey equipment? Make sure you know the theory and you went through everything online so you can prove your future employer that it's time now to give you a chance on site.

3. Keep the curiosity and show that you are really passionate about construction, not just looking for work.

Little Checklist:

1. Have you got your CV ready

2. Is your LinkedIn profile look more professional

3. Have you registered to CV-Library and Fixed

4. Do you know how the recruitment works

5. Do you understand how you should prepare yourself for the interview

Starting on site ASAP (whatever role) is so beneficial that I can not even emphasize it enough!!

1.  All information about yourself (ID, CSCS card, next of kin details etc)

2. Safety Boots, long trousers, tape measure

3. Good Attitute, will to learn & curiosity!

Stay curious, don't be afraid to ask questions - that's what we actually expect from you!. Beginner's role is to learn and the only way to learn is asking questions, take notes and speak with your seniors. Keep learning!

Hope you enjoyed this 'introductory' course to construction. It's just beginning of your construction journey - Wishing you all the best!!