3 Things to Consider to Elevate Your Civil Career
According to Market Site, construction is now the 6th largest industry in the UK, with the civil sector making up a big part. This will likely grow, as the British Government has pledged to spend billions on infrastructure in 2024.
The bottom line?
The government is building, and the amount of civil construction work available will increase.
With developments in anything from transport projects to hospitals and schools, the civil sector provides a career path for those looking to find stable employment with development opportunities.
However, there are some key things to consider when looking to advance your career in civil construction.
Skill Development and Tech
A big problem in the civil construction sector is the growing skills gap. 58% of companies now say they struggle to recruit people with the skills needed to work for them.
This could seem like a challenge…
However, it can also be seen as an opportunity. Focusing on your development will put you in a great position to be hired.
95% of civil construction and engineering firms plan to invest in emerging technology, whether 3D printing, augmented reality or data analytics. So, developing your technical skills is a great opportunity to make yourself valuable to an employer.
It’s also crucial to focus on your soft skills, such as communication and teamwork. 91% of hiring managers say soft skills are vital when placing people in management positions.
A Focus on Sustainability
Environmental politics is now prevalent in the UK, so it might be helpful to become literate in sustainable practices.
For example, the government has introduced policies to reduce emissions in the built environment by 50%. Likewise, as part of the Build Back Better programme, it published the sustainable construction handbook.
Employers in the civil construction sector increasingly looking for things like an accreditation from the UK Green Building Council that shows an ability to manage a sustainable project.
A practical understanding of sustainable construction practices, alongside the qualifications to back them, is a great way to elevate your future career.
Networking
Networking has always been a big part of private-sector construction careers but is also key to civil-sector construction. Over 35% of professionals say they got their jobs through networking.
Attending industry events, getting online and on Linkedin can all mean that your name is the first to come to someone’s mind when looking to fill a new position.
It also means headhunters are more likely to notice you when finding candidates for off-market, lucrative opportunities.
It can even be beneficial to focus on networking within your company, especially larger ones. A Christmas party may seem like a chore, but it can be an opportunity to get to know colleagues you don’t talk to and can be hugely beneficial.
It’s all about getting your name out there and nurturing long-term relationships with key figures in the industry. This means you’re connected to the right people at the right time.
Pinnacle Recruitment
Civil sector construction offers a lucrative and stable career opportunity for a candidate with the right skills and experience and who knows the right people.
However, getting to the right people can be difficult, and nurturing a relationship is naturally a long-term commitment.
It may be beneficial to reach out to someone who is embedded within the industry and who has already nurtured these long-term relationships.
Pinnacle Recruitment has a long-standing history of building deep relationships between clients and candidates.
We have access throughout the construction industry and a wealth of experience in placing candidates in the right roles for them.
So, if you’re looking for a company that can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of the UK civil construction sector, look no further than Pinnacle and reach out to [email protected]