The construction industry is divided into different sectors
- Building construction includes the construction of residential buildings, farms, industrial and commercial buildings.
- Infrastructure construction with are things like highways, roads, bridges, railways, sewers etc
With the sector employing a large number of people, safety and consideration for others are paramount.
Considerate Construction Scheme (CCS)
The UK government commissioned a report into the perceived problems in the construction industry in 1994. Sir Micheal Latham undertook this commission and published his report the same year. He described the sector as ineffective and unable to deliver for its customers.
Following the review, the Construction Industry Council established a forum in the reports name. One of its members was asked to looking into how to change the image of construction. The steering group developed the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS). It was launched in June 1997 and is still in operation today.
The CCS is a national scheme aiming to improve this image by assessing and scoring construction sites in 5 areas:
- Enhancing the Appearance
- Respecting the Community
- Protecting the Environment
- Securing Everyone’s Safety
- Caring for the Workforce.
The CCS regularly monitors sites and give independent assessments to help companies meet the guidelines for the above and address any shortfalls in good practice.
Annual awards are held to present Gold, Silver and Bronze awards to those companies who hit certain levels. Many companies support this scheme as they can advertise their score and any awards they earn. They also take advantage of the independent assessments to improve their business and training plans.
The companies registered with the CCS strive to minimise any harmful impact construction activities may have on neighbourhoods whilst leaving behind long-lasting benefits that enhance communities.
Training & Qualifications
There are many ways to start working within the construction industry, and you can start as soon as you leave school or later in your career. Some of the routes into construction are via apprenticeships or high apprenticeships (equivalent to the first year of a degree) or entry-level positions where you learn on the job.
Many of the larger construction companies have a graduate programme with yearly intakes.
When you first think of construction, you think of manual handling. There are, however, many skills that you need to succeed in this industry. They include excellent communication skills, working with others, keeping to deadlines, attention to detail and many more.
There are several qualifications or certificates you will need to work in construction. These help you understand the rules and regulations you and your employer should be abiding by. Here are a couple of the qualifications and certificates you may require.
CSCS Card Certification
A CSCS Card certification is obtained once you complete the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test, relevant to your working area within construction. You may also need to undertake a Health & Safety qualification, again dependant on your job title.
CPCS
If you operate specific machinery on a construction site, you will be required to obtain a CPCS card. There are two types of CPCS cards, Red or blue, depending on your skill level and qualification route.