Build your path in construction, as the growing industry has 45,000 jobs to fill

BECOME a hotspot in construction and work towards a diploma at the same time.

Despite difficult economic conditions, the £130 billion annual construction sector still managed to grow last year.

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And it is predicted to see a major expansion by 2025.

The reason? Britain has a shortage of 4.3 million homes compared to the average European country.

Although the government's target is to build 300,000 new homes annually, only 178,000 will have been added by 2022.

To help meet the targets and ensure new homes are fit for purpose, the sector needs to fill around 45,000 vacancies.

According to the Construction Industry Training Board, the sector already accounts for ten percent of all apprenticeships and between five and seven percent of UK jobs.

Skills shortages

Tim Balcon, CEO of the CITB, said: “As a former apprentice, I firmly believe in the value of giving young people the foundation they need for a long-term career in construction.”

In addition to traditional trade roles such as bricklaying and plumbing, it needs to train and recruit thousands more professional staff, including building inspectors and surveyors.

This week, industry body Building The Future Commission urged the government to develop a long-term strategy for vocational education and promote the huge variety of jobs available.

Organizations taking up this challenge include municipal building management.

It represents 3,800 building management experts who inspect and sign off on work nationwide.

LABC offers 15 places at its new academy where people can be trained as building inspectors.

They receive two-year fixed-term contracts from LABC, secondments to councils for on-the-job training and expert guidance.

They will also receive fully funded Level 4 and 5 professional qualifications, plus the validation to become Registered Building Inspectors

The starting salary for 18-year-old school leavers studying on a LABC course ranges from £19,500 to £23,500 per year, depending on location.

Trainees can go on to further study at university level to become chartered surveyors or construction engineers.

LABC chief executive Lorna Stimpson said: “We want to make building control a shining beacon in construction and show others how we can work together to tackle skills shortages.”

Ezra McKenzie quit his job as an NHS therapist, helping autistic children, to pursue a career in construction.

The 28-year-old, who studied psychology, decided to study building control after his mother died and he was diagnosed with ADHD.

He now works for Buckinghamshire Council and is studying to become a registered building inspector.

He said: “I've always wanted a job that helps people. One of the most rewarding parts of the role is that the work I do makes a difference: protecting people in and around buildings.

“Building control meets all my requirements. I work in a small team and am guided. I am not desk-bound and can help solve problems.”

• For more information, visit labc.co.uk and goconstruct.org.

PLAY A ROLE

PART-TIME employees are seen as just as ambitious as full-timers, according to new research from flexible working company Timewise.

About eight million people work shorter hours.

The survey found that 46 percent believed part-time work limited career development.

Dr. Sarah Dauncey, who led the research, said: “While full-time working is seen as the standard by employers, too many people will be completely excluded from the workplace or unable to thrive.”

BETTER WAYS TO CONTROL IT

WORKING for someone who micromanages you or shows no appreciation?

Research shows that nine out of ten employees have had a bad boss.

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HR experts Debra and Ken Corey, authors of Bad Bosses Ruin Lives: The Building Blocks For Being A Great Boss, explain how to deal with this.

1. Don't assume they know. Most bosses would be shocked to hear that employees thought they were bad.

Find ways to help them understand the pain and problems they cause.

2. They are not mind readers. Talk about it and let them know what you need.

For example, explain that it is important to hear that you have done a good job, to have autonomy and to be kept informed.

Be brave and say what you think and how you feel.

3. Be open. If you're having a hard time with a specific project or deadline, tell them before they scold you for not delivering.

You'll be surprised how often they quickly go from a bad boss to a great boss, just by opening the door and letting them in.

4. Take responsibility. It is important to take responsibility for your actions.

Think about the role you played in influencing their bad behavior, and then do something to reverse it.

Maybe you're not appreciated because you haven't done anything worth recognizing.

NURSING COURSES

An app has been launched to offer nurses and carers free but mandatory training.

They must complete 35 hours of continuous professional development every three years to remain registered, while healthcare staff receive role-specific training.

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FuturU offers more than 100 free courses, in topics ranging from CPR to autism awareness.

FuturU chief executive Michael Manuccia said: “We must stop treating training as a tick-box and see it as a crucial tool to enable healthcare workers to reach their potential.

“This means creating training that is free, engaging and accessible through devices they use every day.”