Construct a successful career path

Demand for graduates in construction is high, but selection is as rigorous as ever

Westbury Homes is among a fast-growing number of companies within the construction industry that has recently introduced a graduate recruitment programme. Like many such companies, Westbury is after graduates with literally any degree subject.

"We run two separate 18-month schemes. One is for people with construction-related degrees who we train to become site managers. The other is for people with any degree subject who we train to work in head office functions such as marketing and finance," explains Ashley Hawkins, training and development manager for Westbury.

There is a serious skills shortage within the construction industry, he admits, and graduate training schemes are seen as one solution. "We've always taken on graduates, but by offering a formal fast-track training programme – together with an emphasis on continuous development – we hope to attract a greater number of high-calibre university leavers who we aim to become our future leaders."

Although smaller companies within the industry remain less likely to offer specific training programmes for graduates, there are still excellent career opportunities, reports the Association for Graduate Recruiters (AGR). "Such are the concerns of construction companies of all sizes about the lack of interest from graduates that the huge majority seem to be falling over themselves to offer jobs with good salaries, early responsibility and exciting challenges," says Carl Gilleard, chief executive.

Ironically, it was the lack of training and career development that led to the original downturn in graduate entry some years ago, says Peter Lobban, chief executive of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). "Now, the industry has woken up and pushed graduate recruitment and development to the top of the agenda – but it is taking time for graduates to recognise that this is happening," he says.

Also contributing to the demand for extra employees – 370,000 over the next five years – is the current boom in construction. "This is one of the few industries in the UK that is currently thriving," says Lobban. "In the public sector, for instance, there is a huge commitment to the building and refurbishment of schools. Transport and social housing is also high on the Government's agenda. Meanwhile, in the private sector, there is also a shortage of housing and many new exciting initiatives are underway relating to everything from office buildings to leisure centres."

With an output of more than £1bn every week, the construction industry is also involved in both the building – and repair, refurbishment, renovation and restoration – of a huge number of multi-million pound projects ranging from railways to airports and from bridges to hospitals.

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) believes that media images of the industry are largely responsible for the shortage of graduates. "There are over 35 occupational areas available, ranging from construction manager, architect and quantity surveyor to civil engineer," says David Cracknell, director of life-long learning. "But the media – particularly television programmes – have tended to focus on the cowboy elements of construction, rather than the mainstream industry which is a world beater. Thankfully, the industry is now working harder at marketing itself from the schoolroom right through to universities. Within a few years, I think we will reap the benefits as many more talented people start to join this exciting sector."

Warren Roberts, 27, is among those who have already signed up. "I really enjoy coming to work," says the building manager for Willmott Dixon Ltd. "I get so much satisfaction in seeing a new building completed. It's a real buzz knowing that I was part of it. I also enjoy the diversity of my role."

Christopher Odei, 26, a building engineer for Wallis, part of the Kier Group, also enjoys the variation of his day-to-day work. "My role involves organising materials, sequences of work, agreeing programmes and design issues, attending meetings and supervising on-site," he explains. "I liaise with the architects, clients and contractors, which I really enjoy. Near completion of a project, you might need to work longer hours, but there's usually a great buzz too, as everyone is excited to see the finished result."

Odei advocates work experience as a good way into the industry. "I did a few months on-site work experience at a local construction company during the summer of my penultimate year at university. It was great experience as well as helping to secure my first proper job."

Other rewards of working in construction are the increasing opportunities to work abroad and knowing that you're assisting communities. UK civil engineers, for instance, were last year on hand to help repair infrastructure damaged by the extreme flooding experienced in mainland Europe.

"Among the attributes you'll need to work in construction are problem solving, teamwork and communication skills," says Chris Cheetham, senior manager at Hays Montrose, the UK's largest construction recruitment company. "You'll also need evidence of leadership skills."

Knowing that there are more positions available than candidates, it's easy to be complacent, he cautions. "But the selection process within the construction industry is still rigorous."

'I can't think of any negative sides to my job ­ I'd recommend it!'

Amy Worsell, 24, a civil engineer at the Babtie Group in Preston, was voted by 'New Civil Engineer' magazine as Graduate of the Year 2002

My main advice to anyone going into the construction industry is to gain as much work experience as possible. I set it up for every summer vacation of my degree. It's important to get to see how different companies work and to observe how well the trainees are treated and what sort of experiences they get.

In my final year, my work experience was with the Babtie Group, a Scottish multi-disciplinary engineering company. I had a great time specialising in bridges. Straight away, a lot of the work was outside in hoists inspecting bridges and helping to write reports for bridge inspectors. I loved the fact that I wasn't stuck in an office all the time and that it was so action packed. Sometimes I found myself in hoists 30 m high which was exhilarating, albeit a bit scary.

Most rewarding of all however was being offered a job upon graduation. It was wonderful ­ it meant I didn't have the hassle of looking for a job in my final year.

Since joining in 2001, I've been doing more bridge inspections, as well as assessments of their strength and writing up reports. At first, most of my time was spent outside, but at the moment I'm more office based. That's one of the great things about careers in construction ­ there is this fantastic mixture of being in different locations all the time.

I really enjoy the teamwork too. In any construction job, you have to get on well with your team and help each other. Nobody is evasive about what they know because it wouldn't do them any good, so you avoid a lot of office politics.

In fact, I really can't think of any negative sides to my job. I thoroughly enjoy it and would recommend this industry to anyone.