Construction is a major industry in our economy and society. The industry, including contracting professional services and product manufacturing, had a turnover of around £370 billion in 2016, adding £138 billion in value to the UK economy and employs 2.73 million people across the UK. It is a sector that has the potential to directly impact communities by providing a large number of highly skilled and well-paid jobs.
 
Construction is an important field that contributes greatly to the economic growth of a nation enabling us to develop infrastructure related to health, transport, as well as education sector. In addition, it is also important for other key infrastructure that keeps the wheels of the economy turning such as offices, factories and energy.
 
During a construction project, different organisations come together to collaborate including architecture practices, cost consultancies (quantity surveying), civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering employers.
 
Construction interesting facts

• We spend around 90% of our lives in buildings and whether we are at home, at work, in education or at leisure.

• The industry needs young professionals. The average age of a construction worker has increased, while the number of workers 24 or younger has decreased by 30%. The average age of a construction worker is 42.

• The use of drones has been a positive development in construction. They are now seen as a key instrument and play a role in planning, surveying and data capturing

• As of 2018, there are now 33 skyscrapers in London that reach a roof height of at least 150m this is compared to 21 in Paris, 15 in Frankfurt, 11 in Warsaw and 5 in Madrid & Milan. 

Ethnic minorities form an integral part of the population and play a key role in our society. The varied ethnic makeup of the UK must be regarded as an under-used pool of capability for employers and business in the UK. This is of particular importance given that the UK has a far more varied cultural mix than other EU Countries.
 
In London, minorities form 45% of the population and account for around three quarters of the growth in the potential workforce. As an example, of the numbers in construction, ethnic minorities in London’s architectural practices form only 6% of the industry.
 
It is estimated that ethnic groups now account for more than half of all growth in those of working age. This is a key resource that the construction industry in the UK can look towards to meet the skills requirements in the future.

The construction industry is one of the most lucrative, competitive industries and consequently one of the most exciting to work in and realise your potential. Regardless of the area of the industry you wish to work in, there are countless opportunities to progress and grow your career at a fast pace. Far from being limited to manual labour roles, jobs in the sector can range from engineering and design all the way to a lawyer that specialises in the built environment.
 
In addition, ongoing commitment to key infrastructure projects across the UK also offers incredibly attractive prospects at this specific moment in time. When you work in construction, every project is unique. You’ll also have the chance to develop transferable skills and use cutting edge technology and innovative techniques.

Networking is one of the most essential career development tools that is often overlooked by individuals. It will help you develop and improve your skill set, stay on top of the latest trends in your industry, keep a pulse on the job market, meet prospective mentors, partners, and clients, and gain access to the necessary resources that will foster your career development.
 
In relation to career progression, a well developed network provides you with a support system of individuals who can provide meaningful assistance to you as it may relate to your industry exploration, connections to other individuals and learning about career opportunities.
 
At BPIC, we believe that networking is about establishing long-term mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet. It should be approached as an ongoing process that takes time and nurturing, and not something you do just when you are looking for a job. It is important to remember that networking is a two-way process in which you provide beneficial support to those in your network as well.
 
Experts agree that the most connected people, are often the most successful. Investing your time in relationships, both professional and personal, can pay back dividends throughout the course of your career.