There has never been a more exciting time to work in the construction industry. It is a rapidly growing industry that offers an exciting career in many varied roles such as:
The industry is constantly evolving. With new developments in modern methods of construction and digital construction so pivotal now, there is a diverse range of career options both on and off building sites.
We need young vibrant people who are creative, innovative and tech savvy with problem solving abilities, who are driven to succeed.
Everywhere you look, the construction industry has designed and built all that you see – hospitals, houses, roads, bridges, schools, colleges, sports clubs, and all other built infrastructure that we rely on every day to make our lives better.
Depending on your aptitude and abilities, there is an opportunity to work in a dynamic growing sector and in an environment that both challenges and rewards.
When thinking of jobs in construction, you may immediately think of trades ( as outlined below), and this may not be the area you are interested in. That being said, there are a vast array of opportunities in construction in varied roles - for instance, business development, technology based skills such a Building Information Modelling as well as project management , contract management and legal services. The main Apprentice-based occupations and Craftworker categories in this sector are:
Electrician; Plumber; Carpenter & Joiner; Stone mason; Bricklayer; Pipefitter; Painter and Decorator; Tiler; Sheet metal worker etc. - more details on the SOLAS website www.apprentices.ie .
Professionals in the sector include:
There are also Operative-level occupations:
• Machinery operators
• Skilled General Operatives
• Technical General Operatives
In general, most people working in the construction industry work directly for companies or agencies. That being said, many people once they gain experience and abilities, start their own businesses and therefore become self-employed and indeed employ others.
The construction industry offers something for everyone, regardless of the qualifications you have. There are some entry-level roles that don’t require any qualifications at all. For others, you may need to have completed a relevant college course, degree or apprenticeship in order to apply. Each job role will have different requirements and entry routes.
Apprenticeships:
You can search apprenticeshipshere filtering by location and apprenticeship type.
General Construction Job Vacancies:
Jobs are advertised in a variety of media such as college recruitment drives, business sections of the national newspapers, local media, trade magazines, recruitment websites, college/second level career guidance counsellors etc. People may also get jobs from contacting those already employed in the industry and by contacting construction companies directly. CIF also advertise positions - see www.cifjobs.ie
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Graduates can expect to earn between €30,000 - €35,000. Salaries move up quickly and a graduate can expect salaries to rise by up to 25% in the first 12 – 18 months.
Crafts/trades and apprentices can expect to earn the following rates;
HOURLY RATES REGISTERED AGREEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
The normal Working week is 39 hours worked over five days between Monday and Friday each week.
OVERTIME
Monday – Friday from normal finishing time to midnight time plus a half Midnight to normal starting time double time
Weekends first four hours from normal starting time On Saturday morning time plus a half All subsequent hours worked double time.
