A house builder is primarily concerned with planning and building property for the residential sector.
Who can I work for?
Construction companies, property developers, sub-contractors and private and public housing agencies all have a need for builders when it comes to putting up new homes.
Where and when can I work?
A standard 40-hour week normally applies but daylight often dictates how much work gets done and you can start early and finish early. You are likely to be outdoors for the majority of the day, come rain or shine, in a variety of environments.
What can I earn?
The average salary for a builder in this sector is around £22,000. This goes up with increased experience and responsibility.
What are the benefits?
You are likely to have to take responsibility for your own work and there's a high level of job satisfaction when you see a project through to completion. There's also plenty of room to move around this sector, so you can gain lots of experience.
Are there chances of promotion?
There's lots of room for progression and you can go on to become a site supervisor or construction manager. You can also go down the self-employed route, where you can set your own rates, and pick your own clients.
What will I be responsible for?
Prepping and cleaning the construction areas, delivering and distributing supplies, assisting workers with equipment, helping on small tasks, assembling and disassembling scaffolding, learning new skills from experienced builders.
Do I need any experience?
Some basic experience on a construction site is beneficial but not essential. Many companies provide apprenticeships so you can learn the trade on-the-job and there's lots of scope for further training and qualifications that will allow you to specialise in a particular skill, such as welding or bricklaying.
What attributes are needed?
A high level of personal fitness, the ability to work well in a team and working well under pressure are all desirable attributes. The role would also suit someone who is great at multi-tasking and has a keen eye for detail.