Construction Operative

Construction operatives work as part of a team building houses, factories, offices, roads, bridges, airports and other structures.

Tasks can include some or all of the following:

• preparing the ground for construction work
• helping to set out areas to be dug for foundations and drains
• preparing materials, such as cement and plaster
• digging shallow trenches
• erecting and dismantling timbering used to support trenches
• putting up hoardings, safety signs, barriers and site huts
• road and pavement construction.

Construction operatives usually work 39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Overtime is common. Construction operatives mainly work outside. The work is very physical and involves loading, carrying and storing materials.

Construction operatives may earn between £15,500 and £20,000 a year.

Construction operatives should:

• have practical hand skills and be able to work with a range of tools
• be physically fit
• be comfortable working at heights
• be willing to work outdoors in all weathers
• enjoy practical, outdoor work.

Construction is the largest industry in the UK, employing around two million people, though the recession has led to a decline in building projects. Operatives work for building or engineering contractors, local authorities and other public organisations.

There are no set entry requirements. GCSEs (A*-C) in English, maths and technology subjects are useful. Vocational qualifications in construction are available in many schools and colleges. Apprenticeships are a common route into the construction industry.

Training is usually on the job, working with more experienced operatives, but new entrants also receive formal training in health and safety.

Operatives working on all major construction sites need to have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. These are used to demonstrate that the card holder has been trained in health and safety and is competent in a particular occupation, or is working towards becoming competent.

Construction operatives may be able to progress to craft-level roles, such as bricklayer or carpenter. With experience and training, they may become site supervisors. Some operatives move into specialist areas of work, such as tunnelling or bridge building.

Further details