Our Guide to Built Environment Careers

Everyone wants to make their mark on the world, but with a career in the Built Environment, this old saying can become a reality.

BY Lauren Hardy

The Built Environment sector concerns itself with surroundings created for humans, and to be used by humans, and to be used for human activity, including roads, parks and communal spaces and hospitals. This means it is an incredibly diverse field to work in and as it employs 8 per cent of the UK’s entire workforce, it is an industry certainly worth considering a career.

Many different skills are catered for in the Built Environment sector. Initial planning of a new construction calls for architects, land surveyors and managers to help direct those involved in the project.

If you’re into computers, your role could lie in technical support. CAD software plays a large part in the process. Site engineers are a necessity, as are buyers, to deal with contracts, but if you think you’d prefer a more hands-on approach, qualifications in practical building and construction skills are really valuable. Carpenters, floor layers, plasterers, painters to name but a few, are needed for skilled labour. Even after construction is complete, employees are needed to guarantee there are no problems and ensure that everything is maintained in full working order.

The wide range of jobs within this sector is not the only positive thing about the ‘built environment’. Buildings and spaces where we work, rest and play have a great impact on daily living and our quality of life. It is an exciting, highly regarded industry to be involved. Lowering carbon emissions is important to the industry. The sector is addressing global challenges and work is becoming increasingly large scale.

In the future Nuclear Build will see the development of eight nuclear reactor sites, becoming the UK’s largest ever construction project and requiring 25,000 workers. The built environment is a sustainable industry. Construction will always be needed, so workers will always be required.

It all sounds pretty good, right? The only question is how can you be a part of it? Well, the route to working within the built environment is every bit as diverse as the jobs available.

Apprenticeships for both practical and technical work can be completed in two years and result in a vocational qualification. Basic GCSEs are required, although some technical apprenticeships need four GCSEs A* - C and sometimes a higher qualification of A-level or equivalent. As well as college work, apprenticeships give invaluable on-site experience and show a willingness to work. All you need is an employer to sponsor you. Organisations like the National Apprenticeship Service or websites like NotGoingToUni can help you to find one.

Diplomas from further education colleges and degrees from universities are highly sought after too, as they show a high level of understanding and the ability to work independently. These are just some of the options available and more information can be found at: http://www.citb.co.uk/careers-in-construction/.

The built environment is an industry in which enthusiastic young people can thrive. Your work will be appreciated and contribute to society. Just think - how many people do you know who can drive past a hospital and say, ‘I built that’?!