Construction operatives, also known as building operatives, groundworkers or labourers, work on all types of construction jobs, including:

• new housing and roads
• factory and office redevelopment
• bridge and tunnel repairs
• airport expansion.

The exact nature of an operative's job depends on the construction project. For example, on a new housing development, they prepare the building site, mark out and dig shallow trenches for foundations and drains, and erect hoardings, safety signs, barriers and site huts.

Operatives also:

• set up and dismantle ladders and scaffolding
• mix and prepare building materials like mortar and plaster
• unload, move and load materials.

Other tasks vary, depending on the job but can include:

• formworking - erecting and dismantling temporary wooden or metal structures used to mould setting concrete
• steel fixing and bar bending - bending and fixing bars used to reinforce concrete structures
• concreting - layering and smoothing concrete for foundations, floors and beams
• steel piling - moving, inserting and removing interlocking steel sheets, which form temporary retaining walls for excavation work
• drain laying - guiding large sections of pipe into place as they are lowered by crane
• roadworks - concreting, laying kerbs, paving and surfacing (see Road Worker).

Construction operatives use a range of hand and power tools in their work, including mechanical mixers. They also use plant equipment, especially when moving loads.

Operatives work closely with other tradespeople, for example, bricklayers, as part of a team or 'gang'.

Hours and Environment

Construction operatives work a basic 39-hour week, often starting early in the morning. Overtime at weekends and evenings is required when deadlines have to be met. Seasonal work is common and working away from home for short and long periods may be necessary.

Construction operatives work on site, inside and outside in all weathers, and often at heights.

They wear personal protective clothing, such as safety helmets, ear defenders and safety boots for most jobs. The work is physically demanding and involves carrying heavy or awkward loads.

Skills and Interests

To be a construction operative, you should:

• be physically fit
• be familiar with construction or civil engineering terms, methods and materials
• have good practical skills
• be able to follow written and verbal instructions
• be comfortable working at heights
• be able to work as part of a team
• understand health and safety issues.

Entry

You do not need any formal entry qualifications but you usually need a good basic education.

Some GCSE/S grades in maths, English and design and technology or equivalent vocational qualifications, such as Edexcel Introductory Certificate/Diploma in Construction, may be helpful although not essential.

Other entry-level awards, which may give you some of the skills needed, include:

• City & Guilds Basic Skills in Construction: Multi-crafts (6216)
• BTEC First Diploma in Construction
• Foundation Award (Construction Crafts).

If you want to work with plant machinery, you will need to be 18 or over and have a driving licence. See the profile for Construction Plant Operator.

A common route for young people is to train as a construction apprentice. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible later (see Training section for contacts).

ConstructionSkills has information on construction careers and qualifications in Further Information; and the Equal Opportunities Commission is promoting the construction trades as a career option for women through its Know Your Place campaign.

Training

You receive on-the-job training with day or block release at local colleges or training providers, leading to NVQ/SVQ qualifications. You work towards NVQs/SVQs in Construction and Civil Engineering Services (Construction Operations) at levels 1 and 2.

Options include:

• Concreting operations
• Drainage construction
• Laying kerbs and channels
• Excavation of holes and trenches
• Reinstatement of excavated surfaces and pavements.

There are several other NVQ/SVQs available, concentrating on particular roles, for example, roadbuilding, drilling operations, specialist installations and site supervision. See ConstructionSkills.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Construction operatives work for building and engineering contractors, local authorities and other public organisations. The main construction shortages are in the skilled trades but opportunities are good across the sector due to the expansion of building works and redevelopment. 

Relocation may be necessary for some projects, for example, the 2012 Olympic Games' facilities. There may also be opportunities for overseas contract work.

It is possible, with training and experience, for operatives to progress to technician level and become skilled tradespeople or move into site supervision.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Trainee operatives earn up to £13,500 a year.
With qualifications, operatives earn between £17,000 and £20,500 a year.
Experienced construction operatives with additional responsibilities may earn up to £24,000 a year.

Overtime and various allowances can significantly increase income. Self-employed operatives negotiate their own rates.

Further information

Tel: 0870 8505262 Tel: 0870 417 8777 Bircham Newton
King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577