Construction

The construction sector is a vital industry that involves building and maintaining infrastructure, housing and public buildings. It includes many varied jobs, such as civil engineer, architect, builder, heritage specialist, plumber and project manager. 

Construction is one of the largest sectors in the UK– with a turnover of £370 billion, contributing £138 billion in ‘value added’ to the UK economy and employing 9% of the total UK workforce. In West Sussex construction is one of the top five employment sectors.

Why choose construction?

The construction industry in the South-East is growing! It’s expected to expand by an average of 1.8% a year between 2023-2027. This means we need 3,560 new workers every year to keep up with demand. Here in Sussex, employers are currently finding there are skills shortages across the industry, meaning vacancies are not always being filled. 

Construction is continually evolving to meet the challenges of a low carbon future, offering exciting career prospects and the chance to make a real impact. Although some trades might see a dip, there’s increasing demand for architects, low carbon plumbing and heating engineers, and other construction professionals. If you’re looking for a stable career with growth opportunities, construction might be the perfect fit.

What skills will I need to succeed?

To succeed in construction, you’ll need a range of skills and areas of knowledge. Here are some key areas to consider:

• Technical skills: Maths skills, Computer-aided drafting (CAD), Carpentry, Stonework, Surveying, Welding, Electrical wiring, Plumbing
• Management skills: Site management, Project management, Quality and compliance Future-focussed skills: New technologies e.g. drones and Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality, Digital skills, Retrofitting (Net Zero)
• Specialised skills: Procurement and tender writing, Planning, Financial management, Design, Customer service, Public relations
• Soft skills: Self-motivation, Problem solving, Teamwork and communication, Leadership, Organisation and time management, Attention to detail
• Physical skills: Manual dexterity, strength and stamina, hand-eye coordination, manual handling

Jobs in the Construction Sector