Explore Careers in Construction and the Built Enviornment
Whether you’re hands-on, creative, or into problem-solving, there’s a wide range of exciting roles in construction. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular career paths — from design and planning to on-site trades and sustainability.
Many of these roles can be accessed through apprenticeships, college courses, university degrees, or on-the-job training. Whether you prefer practical work, creative design, or planning and strategy, there’s something for everyone in construction.
Professional and Technical Roles
Architect
Architects design buildings and spaces, turning creative ideas into safe, practical places for people to live, work, and enjoy.
Quantity Surveyor
Quantity surveyors manage the costs of construction projects, helping make sure they stay on budget from start to finish.
Project Manager
Project managers take the lead - organising teams, planning schedules, and making sure everything on site runs smoothly.
Town Planner
Town planners help shape towns and cities, making sure new buildings fit well into local communities.
Bid Manager
Bid managers help construction companies win work by putting together the best plans and proposals for new projects.
Construction Planner
Construction planners create detailed project schedules to make sure building work stays on track and on time.
Estimator
Estimators work out how much building a project will cost by looking at plans and pricing up materials, time, and labour.
Design Manager
Design managers bring together all the technical plans on a project, making sure everything fits together and meets the brief.
Structural Engineer
Structural engineers make sure buildings and bridges are strong and stable so they’re safe for people to use.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers design systems like heating and air conditioning to keep buildings comfortable and energy efficient.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers plan and install power systems, lighting, and wiring that keep buildings running smoothly and safely.
Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design and build infrastructure like roads, drainage systems, and foundations — the groundwork for every project.
Building Surveyor
Building surveyors inspect buildings to check they’re safe and up to standard, and give advice on repairs or improvements.
Landscape Architect
Landscape architects design outdoor areas like parks, gardens, and public spaces around buildings and developments.
Interior Designer
Interior designers plan how the inside of a building looks and works — choosing colours, materials, and layouts to create great spaces.
Housing Strategy Officer
Housing strategy officers plan for the future — helping councils or organisations decide how many homes to build, what types are needed, and where to build them.
Development Officer
Development officers help plan and build new housing projects, working with architects, councils, and builders to create homes that meet community needs.
Housing Officer
Housing officers work with tenants and landlords to manage rented homes — helping with repairs, rent issues, and making sure people feel safe and supported.
Tenancy Support Officer
Tenancy support officers help people stay in their homes by offering advice and support with budgeting, benefits, and life skills.
Skilled Trades & On-Site Roles
Carpenter
Carpenters build and fit wooden structures like doors, staircases, and roofs — bringing the frame of a building to life.
Joiner
Joiners craft items like windows, doors, and furniture from wood, often working in a workshop before installing them on site.
Bricklayer
Bricklayers build the walls and structures of buildings using bricks, blocks, and mortar with precision and skill.
Groundworker
Groundworkers prepare construction sites — laying foundations, drains, and paths to get things ready for building.
Roofer
Roofers install and repair the tops of buildings, using materials like tiles or metal to keep everything protected from the weather.
Electrician
Electricians install and maintain the systems that power buildings — from lighting and sockets to safety equipment.
Plumber
Plumbers fit and fix water, heating, and drainage systems — essential for keeping homes and buildings working properly.
Heat Pump Technician
Heat pump technicians install low-carbon heating systems that use natural energy from the air or ground — part of the future of sustainable building.
Labourer
Labourers support construction teams by moving materials, setting up tools, and keeping the site safe and tidy — a great way to get started in the industry.
Sustainability and Social Impact Roles
Retrofit Assessor
Retrofit assessors survey older buildings to find ways to make them more energy-efficient, helping to reduce carbon emissions and cut energy bills.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability managers make sure building projects are environmentally friendly — reducing waste, using green materials, and protecting natural resources.
Social Value Manager
Social value managers make sure construction projects benefit local people — creating jobs, supporting the community, and making a positive impact beyond the build.