Construction offers a diversity of roles that other industries simply cannot match. It is also rare in that it is an industry that allows you to physically see the fruits of your labour – whether that be roads and bridges or hospitals and schools. With salaries on the rise, construction is continuing to grow in popularity with job-seekers. Here are five of the most exciting careers in construction.

Construction Manager

While most jobs in construction require a highly specialised skillset, construction managers need to have a range of qualities. From strong communication skills to proficiency in maths and IT, construction managers are reliant on their skillset to tackle a host of problems. Construction managers are tasked with overseeing the planning of the project and allocating money accordingly. With a range of difficulties and stumbling blocks, working as a construction manager is a challenging career. Fortunately, it comes with a salary that reflects that.

Glazier

Glaziers are responsible for cutting, installing and removing glass for windows, doors and facades and many others. Sometimes this requires scaling great heights and consequently, glaziers need to be fearless where heights are concerned. Allowing natural light to flood into your office or home, glaziers are crucial to the construction industry. As is common with construction employment, you can learn this trade on the job or complete an apprenticeship.

Construction Equipment Operator

As the individuals responsible for constructing roads, bridges, hospitals and schools, construction equipment operators have to be highly skilled.  Aside from reshaping cities as we know it, operators are also vital in facilitating machinery relocation. Cranes and bulldozers are just two of many vehicles that operators have to learn to use safely. You can train to be a construction equipment operator by attending and completing a vocational course or you may be able to train on the job.

Electrician

Central to what makes being an electrician enjoyable is the variety of problems that present themselves on a daily basis. In order to address these challenges, electricians need to have strong problem-solving skills. Familiarity with a range of electrical systems allows electricians to work in the homes of customers or on behalf of businesses. Depending on what you choose to specialise in, you could be installing control panels for the electrical systems of whole buildings, or simply maintaining them.  Becoming an electrician requires a level 3 electrical or electro-technical qualification

Civil engineer

Responsible for designing and managing construction projects, civil engineers are integral to fashioning the framework that makes up our cities – from bridges and buildings to sports stadiums and transport links. More specifically, civil engineers: communicate with the client to plan the project, create blueprints using computer-aided design, and calculate the financial costs and timescale of a viable project. Becoming a civil engineer normally requires a degree, but it is possible to start as a technician and study part time for a foundation degree before progressing onto a civil engineering degree.