Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Construction Planner- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Working Life
Construction projects are complex processes, with many relationships to be managed and very precise sequences of events to be followed. Construction Planners coordinate between the various groups involved in a project, such as architects, engineers and construction contractors to ensure that a coherent plan is created and implemented.
They do this by understanding the work that will go into a project. To do this they identify what tasks must be completed, they then plan how long each will take and the order in which they will take place. They will then define the resources and manpower that goes into fulfilling each task.
They determine the tasks required and estimate timelines, their primary goal is ensuring construction projects are delivered on schedule and to budget, along with any other priorities that have being set.
A construction project involves a vast array of moving parts, resources and people, the work of the planner is ssential to ensuring the work proceeds smoothly.
Clearly defining these factors in the planning stage is required for the accurate estimation of costs and the procurement of the necessary resources, which are key to the construction process proceeding efficiently. This makes the construction planner’s work vital to the effective management of a construction project.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.
- Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.
- Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to representatives of the owner or developer, including administrative staff, workers, or clients.
- Direct and supervise construction or related workers.
- Prepare contracts or negotiate revisions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, or subcontractors.
- Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, or design professionals to discuss and resolve matters, such as work procedures, complaints, or construction problems.
- Plan, organise, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.
- Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
- Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.
- Investigate damage, accidents, or delays at construction sites to ensure that proper construction procedures are being followed.
Qualities - Construction Planner
Successful Construction Planners have good communication skills and strong analytical thinking. You need to be able to think quickly and act logically while exercising organisational skills, determination and flexibility so that tasks are completed in time. You also need numerical competence, design and information technology skills. Experience of computer-aided design (CAD) is useful. You must enjoy technical work and you need to be thorough in your work.
Construction planning tasks can require a wide range of technical skills in the area of budgeting, technology and professional capability. Therefore, you should be interested in subjects such as science, maths, construction technology, business and information technology. The roles also place great emphasis on professional skills, including communication, leadership and dispute resolution.
Interests - Construction Planner
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Construction Planner
There is no set route into construction planning, but a variety of occupations can provide the skills and opportunities necessary to transition into construction planning. These include civil engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, mechanical engineering and project management.
Project management training offers the best route for those looking to move into construction planning, especially if you already work in construction. The planning skills learned in project management training should be transferable to construction planning.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: manual handling, SafePass, working at height, lugs locating, underground services, construction skills programme, project, supervisory management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: construction skills, building construction, pre-apprenticeship, construction and engineering technology, construction technology, renewable energy systems, property management.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Machinery.
Further machinery & skills certs for entry into this occupation can be short, but progression into sustained employment is gained via developing more skills, networking, and qualifications up to trade Apprenticeship.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: construction management, construction, facilities and building services management, engineering, construction project management, applied technology, project and construction management.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: health and safety, construction, construction project management, BIM, lean construction management.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Construction Planner
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €50k - €120k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Irishjobs /Morgan McKinley / CPL / Brightwater / Clark
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Construction Planner
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Civil engineers, Construction project managers and related professionals, Production managers and directors in construction.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
Employment growth was above average for this occupation with annual increases since 2020, and growing by 2,400 persons employed since 2022. The number of employment permits issued grew on the previous year, with civil/site/structural engineers and construction project managers accounting for most of the permits issued. Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) related mainly to civil engineers; DSP adverts were smaller in quantity but included civil, site and project engineers.
Data from the Recruitment Agency Survey, Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills noted issues with filling vacancies for civil/site engineers and/or construction project managers; skills in demand associated with these vacancies included project management, problem solving and critical thinking skills. The number of awards for civil and building engineering subjects has been increasing in recent years, with over 1,000 awards at levels 8-10 in 2022; of these, 266 awards were for civil engineering, the highest number in several years, and a third more than in 2018 (although the numbers have fluctuated in the intervening years).
Although shortages are arising for both roles, civil engineers account for over half of employment in this occupation.
Useful Contacts - Construction Planner
-
Engineers Ireland
- 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
- (01) 665 1300
- Click Here
-
Construction Industry Federation
