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The Changing London Skyline

The Changing London SkylineDue to the current economic situation in the United Kingdom, a number of projects have been completely scrapped or put on hold.  One current project that is still going ahead and creating a lot of construction jobs in the process is that of Shard London Bridge.  

It recently surpassed Heron Tower as the highest building in London and for those in possession of a CSCS card in London there is still a chance to work on this monumental building.

 

Shard London Bridge

 

Shard London Bridge otherwise known as the London Bridge Tower was started in March 2009.  It was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano.  By the time the building is completed in 2012 it is expected to be 310 metres tall, making it the tallest building in the EU.  Built in an irregular triangle shape, the building aims to make the most of natural daylight.

 

Shard London Bridge is expected to have 72 floors hosting residential apartments, restaurants, a hotel, a spa, an observation deck and office space.  It also aims to be a green building with the hope that the excess heat being produced on the office floors (4-28) will be used to heat the hotel and apartments.

 

How to Find Work

 

Coming into the business district of London, it is not hard to find work with construction companies and hoardings brimming in the area.  Before applying for a job with one of these construction firms it is a good idea to take the CSCS health, safety & environment test in London or elsewhere in the UK.  With most companies now requiring their workers to have a CSCS card in London this should be your first priority.

 

Once you have obtained your CSCS card in London the next step is to start applying for jobs at construction companies in the capital.  A quick internet search will help you with a list of names, telephone numbers, postal and email addresses. The construction company building the Shard is Mace so this is who you need to contact if you would like to be part of this epic project.

 

The Changing Skyline

 

London is one of the best cities to find construction work in the UK and it comes as no surprise that the London skyline is forever changing.  With the completion of Heron Tower in April 2010 and the completion of the Shard London Bridge expected next year, we can only wonder what masterpiece this city will be home to next.

 

Construction Plans for the London South Bank Area

CSCS CardsConstruction workers who are in possession of a CSCS card in London, will be pleased to know about new construction plans in place for the London South Bank and Milton Keynes areas.  These two areas are the front runners in a new government scheme which allows local businesses to increase development by drawing up official plans.  

Other areas in this scheme include London’s West End, the Bankside, the Trafford Park area in Manchester and Innovation Park in Liverpool.  This is sure to lead to an increased number of construction related jobs in London and other big cities in the UK.

 

Neighbourhood Development Orders

 

‘Neighbourhood Development Orders’ is the name given to the proposed project.  This literally means that residents and businesses will be able to have their say on new construction projects in their local area.  The orders aim is not to restrict development but rather to increase it.  One of the main areas that is specifically being focused on is the Bankside – the area around the Tate Modern.  There is also an expected £215 million being spent on increasing the size of the Tate.

 

By granting a ‘neighbourhood development order’, the government is allowing local businesses and residents the ability to bypass the local authorities on specific types of planning permission.  With the government aiming to make planning decisions within 12 months of them being submitted, this development scheme is sure to get under way in the very near future.

 

What Does This Mean For You?

 

If you have completed your CSCS health, safety and; environment test in London or in any CSCS test centres across the UK, and are now in possession of a CSCS card, you have a very good chance of securing a job when these new development schemes are implemented.  It is unlikely that many people applying for a job without a CSCS card in London will be successful as over 80% of construction companies in the UK now require to see this card before work can begin.

 

With a large amount of construction projects being considered and expected in the next twelve months, it is fair to believe that this will only be a plus for the construction industry and increase the number of jobs.  With twelve months being the estimated time frame to pass all plans now is the perfect time to apply for your CSCS card in London and ensure you are ready.

 

Green Construction Jobs for Graduates in London

Green Construction JobsIt is fair to say that green construction jobs in the UK are currently in their infancy.  However with the whole world now trying to lower energy outputs, this is an industry that is expected to grow over the coming decades.

Sustainable economic development has increased drastically over the last five years and is a very promising job sector to enter into.

 

Prior to Applying

 

Before applying for a job with a green construction company in London it is vital that you are first in possession of a Construction Skills Certification Scheme – CSCS card.  If you are based in the capital, obtaining a CSCS card in London is relatively simple.  You will need to study, take and pass a CSCS health, safety & environment test in London or elsewhere in the UK and then apply for your card.  Within four weeks of passing the test you should be ready to go.  With over 80% of employers now only accepting new workers in possession of a CSCS card in London, it is clear to see why it is so important to have one.

 

Jobs in the Green Construction Industry

 

Graduates in London have numerous opportunities when it comes to choosing the sector of the green construction industry they want to enter into.  Graduates with degrees in management, design and architecture are especially sought after but any graduate with a strong work ethic who is able to work outside the box is generally welcomed.  Whilst these jobs are in a competitive market, the UK construction market is increasing year by year, thus increasing the number of available jobs.

 

Promising Future

 

Young graduates entering into the green construction industry can expect a promising future.   According to the Lead Sheet Association the construction industry is going to be one of the first sectors to lead the country out of recession.  With financial incentives to employees joining the green construction field and a starting salary of at least £28,000 a year it is not surprising to see so many graduates with a CSCS card in London applying to join this growing industry.

 

From energy efficient buildings to homes that run on limited amounts of electricity, billions of pounds are currently being injected into the green construction industry in the UK.  Any individual who is willing to invest their time into this sector can be assured of a long, well paid career in a booming industry.

 

The Growth of UK Construction Jobs

Work in the UK Construction Industry

With such a large percentage of the United Kingdom’s workforce now working in the construction industry, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking that finding a job in construction will be very difficult. However this is not the case. Government statistics show that around 2.2 million people of ‘working age’ are employed in the construction industry – that’s around 7% of the population! Yet these figures are expected to continue to increase, despite the current poor condition of the UK economy.

 

What Construction Jobs Are Available?

The increase in the number of construction jobs can be put down to three specific areas. The first is the commercial sector, the second is the housing sector and finally we have the London Olympics. The first two are pretty self-explanatory, but with the London Olympics being just over a year away, it is clear that the numbers of construction jobs in and around London are going to increase drastically over the next few months.

 
Construction for the London Olympics
With stadiums, the Olympic village and extra transport all needing to be completed before the Olympics begins there are plenty of opportunities in the London construction industry. But what do you need to do to participate in this work?
First of all you will more than likely need to be in possession of a CSCS card to prove that you are competent to industry standards and that  understand all about the health and safety guidelines that are vital in this industry. Many companies (over 80%) are now only offering construction related work to people in possession of this card. In order to get one of these you must have taken and passed a  Health, Safety and Environment Test in London or elsewhere in the UK. There are several Health, Safety & Environment Test centers  in London.

 
Environmentally Friendly Infrastructure

Applying for a CSCS card in London and taking your Health, Safety & Environment Test in London is well worth the effort as many experts are still expecting the rise of construction jobs to increase even after the Olympic Games has ended. With environmentally friendly infrastructure increasing in popularity in the UK, many companies are now taking the initiative to build new and alter the structure of existing buildings to make them energy efficient, thus producing less waste. Experts are expecting the average homeowner to also start making improvements and this will only continue to increase the number of jobs in the UK construction industry. With exciting prospects, the construction industry is one sector of employment that will not be affected by the UK’s economic climate.

Women in Construction

Woman Working in Construction

The UK construction industry is huge! Around 7% of the UK’s ‘working age’ population is employed in this sector. Quite often thought of as a man’s environment, this is no longer the case. Many women are now opting for a career in the construction industry for many reasons, with two of the most popular being the career prospects and a guaranteed job throughout the recession. So if you are a woman who is interested in working in the construction industry, read on to find out more.

What Types of Job are Available?

Recent studies show that just 9% of the construction industry are female. Whilst this may seem like a low figure, compare it to twenty or thirty years ago and you will realise the change. Most women in the construction industry are employed in the following sectors:

  • • Secretarial – 84%

  • • Design and management – 10%

  • • Micro enterprises – 4%

  • • Sole traders – 1%

  • • Trades People – 1%

 

Although most women choose to work in the secretarial sector, there are still a small percentage of women who are happy to break down the gender barriers and work alongside men in the more physical jobs.

Women may also be surprised to know that they are increasingly in demand in the UK housing sector. If construction work needs to be done during the daytime when a man is at work, women are often preferred for these kinds of jobs.

Where to Start?

If the idea of working in the construction industry appeals to you, you have a number of options and requirements. First of all you will need to decide upon the specific sector that you would like to work in. London currently has the largest construction industry in the UK and so this is a good place to start. Websites and forums can also help you speak to other women in this industry and learn what to expect.

The next step is to apply for a CSCS card. In order to apply for a CSCS card in London or in any other part of the UK you will need to have taken and passed a CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test and have taken the NVQ which is relevant to your chosen occupation. There are numerous CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test centers in London and in other cities in the UK. Although you may find a job without completing a CSCS Health, Safety and Environment Test in London, you will find that over 80% of employers will not hire you unless you are in possession of a CSCS card.

After completing and passing your CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test in London you will be well on your way to beginning a demanding yet exciting new career!

 

Obtaining a CSCS Card in London

Blue CSCS CardThe vast majority of people working in the UK construction industry now need to be in possession of a CSCS Card. This applies to everyone, no matter what occupation you are in be it a basic operator, a skilled worker, a supervisor or manager, or even a regular visitor to a construction site.

A CSCS card in london and the rest of the UK proves to your employers and people around you that you have completed the training required to adhere to the health and safety standards as set out by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. Most companies will now only employ working with a CSCS card,  so read on to find out how you can obtain a CSCS card in London.

The Health, Safety & Environment Test in London

The CSCS Health, Safety and Environment Test is in place to ensure that all construction personnel are competent and understand what to do and what not to do, to complete jobs without endangering either themselves or others on a building site. The Health, Safety & Environment Test differs depending on the exact occupation you are in, as each occupation has varying levels of risk attached to it. If you are thinking of taking the CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test in London, you have numerous options.

One of the easiest ways to sign up for a Health, Safety & Environment Test in London is online. There are just over 300 test centres in the UK and it is relatively simple to find one in your local area.

Where to Get a CSCS Card in London

Obtaining a CSCS card in London and the rest of the UK is simple. If this is your first time applying for the card, you must have already taken and passed the required CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test. Although you may feel slightly daunted by the application process there is nothing to worry about as long as you read the instructions carefully and are sure to submit the correct documentation.

It is not possible to book a Health, Safety & Environment Test in London or elsewhere through a test center as they only provide the test. Book a Health, Safety & Environment Test in London online or call 0203 051 1004. CSCS Cards typically last for five years, after which point they will need to be renewed.

When Will My CSCS Card Arrive?

It usually takes between 3 to 4 weeks for your CSCS Card to arrive. You will be able to work on London construction sites if you have passed your CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test, have paid for your CSCS card and your documents are being processed.

 

What is a Blue CSCS Card and How do I get One in London?

Blue CSCS CardThe Blue CSCS card is issued to skilled workers who have completed an NVQ level 2 for their specific occupation, who have a City and Guilds London Institute Craft certificate or an employer sponsored apprenticeship.

The blue CSCS card in London and elsewhere in the UK may also be issued to people who work in a trade for which there is no specific NVQ or SVQ. To get the blue craft unit level you will first have to sit a Health, Safety & Environment Test in London or elsewhere in the UK.

For skilled workers the blue CSCS card will be issued on a five year basis, and there is the option to renew this card.

How to Get a Blue CSCS Card in London

For both types of cards to be issued you must have taken and passed the required Health, Safety & Environment Test. You can take the Health, Safety & Environment Test in London or in one of the numerous test centres throughout the UK. You must also adhere to all rules as set out by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme.
To apply for the CSCS card in London or anywhere else in the UK, you will be asked for a number of personal details including your name, address and date of birth. You will also need to give your National Insurance number and copies of the qualifications that you have – depending on which Blue CSCS card you are applying for.

What Next?
After applying for your blue CSCS card in London you can expect to wait between three and four weeks to receive your card, if you have filled in everything correctly and supplied the required paperwork.For cards which allow a renewal you will have to sit the test again but you will not have to supply a copy of your qualifications as these will be stored. A blue CSCS card increases your chances of getting the job you want on a construction site, whether it is in London or any other city in the UK.

 

Career Guide to the Construction industry

Career Guide to the Construction Industry A variety of opportunities are available for those who set their sights on a professional career in the construction industry, either in London or elsewhere in the UK. Despite the wide range of opportunities, individuals should keep in mind that specific skills and competencies are required to successfully gain employment in construction. For some technical and managerial jobs an educational degree and relevant experience are often necessary criteria for employment.

Basic Career Guide

There are different occupational levels and types within the construction industry. Management and financial occupations include cost estimators, operations managers, and construction managers. Office and administrative support occupations consist of jobs that are primarily office-related like bookkeeping, accounting, and office secretarial work.

Construction, trade, and other field-based occupations form the bulk of the industry. Examples of these career options include carpenters, construction laborers, cement masons, painters, electricians, sheet metal workers, among others. Other construction related jobs involve installation, maintenance, repair, and materials hauling or transportation. Read here to find out how to pass the Laborer CSCS test and get a Laborers CSCS card.

CSCS Cards

The UK has a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) that provides a standard for personnel that are hired to do projects in the construction industry. As a standard, the CSCS scheme endorses hiring of qualified personnel and strict adherence to health and safety regulations. Aside from these objectives, the CSCS scheme also provides certification for construction related occupations that are not under any certification scheme.

Through the issuance of CSCS cards, workers in London or elsewhere with established certification are provided with a proof of competency. The CSCS card is only issued to workers who have complied with the requirements of CSCS. Those who are employed or specializing in craft and operative; technical supervisory and management, and other construction related occupations may apply for a CSCS card in London and elsewhere in the UK.

Different colored cards are issued to correspond to specific occupations and training level. Generally speaking red cards are for people who have passed a health, safety & environment test in London or elsewhere in the UK but still need to get an NVQ or more on the job experience. While and yellow and white and grey cards are issued to Profesionally Qualified Persons and people in other construction related occupations. There are 4 other qualification levels.

Having a CSCS card in London and anywhere else in the UK  improves the chances of landing and securing a job in the construction industry. By having a card in hand, the worker has proof of his or her set of competencies and skills. At the job site, implementation of health and safety standards greatly improves with the hiring of CSCS qualified applicants.

What if You Fail the Health, Safety & Environment Test?

fail cscs testIf you fail your Health, Safety & Environment Test you can rebook after 48 hours, just contact Construction Support Line and we will help you get your booking done as fast as possible. Once you have received confirmation check all the details carefully. If you need to reschedule you can do so up to three full working days before the test.

Ask yourself why you failed, was it the amount of revision you did? If you revised well and only failed by as small amount then perhaps the revision method you used was not the right one for you.

If you didn’t revise very much or not at all then this is likely to be the reason for failing. The most productive step you can now take is probably to purchase an official CSCS Health, Safety and Environment Test revision pack.

Which revision pack?

There are two basic versions of the official CSCS revision pack, a booklet, and a CD ROM. You should decide which format suits your learning style best. The CD ROM allows you to practice on interactive examples of the test questions. This can help you get a feel for the style of the exam as well as helping you learn the answers.

The revision materials are usually sold in packages, allowing you to get a book and a CD ROM (the combination that works best for most people) for a reduced price. You can buy all CSCS revision material (available in 8 languages) during the online booking or by calling us.

How soon can I resit the CSCS Health, Safety & Environment Test?

Construction Support Line is able to book a Health, Safety & Environment Test on short notice. Just get in touch with one of our agents on 0203 051 1004. In some cases we will be able to find you a new test date, time and location in just two days time

Finding Work in the Construction Industry

CSCS Cards

There are hundreds of different trades and many different job types in the construction industry. All these are being tied together by SVQs, if you are looking to get a CSCS card in Scotland, or NVQs if you are looking to get a CSCS card in London or anywhere else in England or Wales. The first step in your construction career, after choosing which area you want to go into, may be enrolling in the relevant level 1 NVQ/SVQ course. While some trades do not have a full NVQ/SVQ the majority do.

Apprenticeships

Becoming an apprentice is one of the most common ways of starting work in construction as most skilled  construction jobs cannot be taught without hands on experience. There are many benefits to becoming an apprentice: you should gain experience under the care of a master practitioner in your chosen field, you don’t need a qualification to start out as an apprentice and you can study for your NVQ/SVQ  and get your CSCS card during your apprenticeship.

Employment agencies

Should you sign on with a construction employment agency? Well there are construction recruitment agencies that serve the industry and they may well help you to find work. You will still need qualifications as most UK building sites will not employ anyone without a valid CSCS card.

Work that requires no practical experience

Some managerial roles are filled by people with no hands on experience. Managers and supervisors oversee paperwork, organisation, recruitment and overall company strategy. These roles may be taken by graduates with business or management qualifications as well experienced site workers.

To enter the construction industry you will have to translate these qualifications into the equivalent NVQ/SVQ. You will also have to apply for your red graduate CSCS card. This will be replaced by your black management card once you have completed the qualifications and the health, safety & environment test the the black card requires.