How To Become A Builder

How to become a Builder? Have you ever thought about becoming a Builder?

Builder Job Description

Builders are persons who are responsible for creating buildings and structures from written specifications or graphical briefs. Working with a varying array of materials and conditions, they go from foundation to finalisation. You may begin your career as an apprentice, learning techniques and about the materials, as well as health and safety information, first aid training, and specialist skills such as bricklaying or plastering. Builders are generally expected to be strong, and willing to work in all weathers, and often in inhospitable conditions. The hours are usually sociable, as building work is often noisy. Being a builder is a good job for many people, but the key traits to have are a sociable personality, strong teamwork skills, and ability to work under direction, a good sense of humour, good work ethic and physically fit.

Entry Requirements

Many builders start life as an apprentice. This is where a building firm will take you on from school and train you ‘on the job’. This is a good way to start as you get a lot of support and assistance, as well as real world experience of the job. Most builders don’t need formal statutory education, although English and maths qualifications will go in your favour, as you may need to understand complex briefs, or calculate amounts.

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Responsibilities and Duties

Depending on what sector or skillset you are employed in your duties may differ vastly. You may be responsible for laying foundations, bricklaying, erecting scaffolding, plastering, road surfacing, welding or joinery. Whatever you are employed in you are likely to be responsible for ensuring that you carry your duty out in a safe and efficient manner, and that all materials are handled correctly. You will be expected to work to deadlines, and in all kinds of weather conditions. You will be expected to assist team mates and train new team members. It is highly likely you will be expected to work at height.

Working hours

These are usually 8am-8pm, but may vary depending on the duties and job you are doing. Some work such as roadwork’s or office internal improvements may be carried out at night when it is less impact to users. However, due to the noise of building, most building jobs are done through the day. Some weekend work may be required, especially if working in the home improvement business sector.

Skills and Training Development

Builders can expect to progress through their careers with improving skills and knowledge. For instance, specialising in bricklaying, welding or scaffolding can set you up for a variety of promotions. Gaining skills such as management skills, health and safety certificates or professional body qualifications may assist you in gaining a foreman position. You could also consider becoming self-employed once you have attained suitable skills. You could even become a building surveyor after a period of experience.

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