What is a contractor? A contractor is any industry person who is self-employed or runs their own business that carries out, manages or co-ordinates construction work. Often, construction contractors establish their services as a limited company. Contractors can specialise in many different areas of construction, some focus on general project management, taking responsibility for the […]
Self-employment is a popular career choice amongst UK construction workers. Working for yourself in construction can be beneficial, as the nature of the work can be very flexible. What qualifications and experience do I need? If you choose to become self-employed you must be confident that you possess: Skills and competence in your construction field […]
What is the HSE and how can their information help me? The HSE are an independent organisation that monitor and enforce work related health and safety. They are an influential force in the construction industry and if you are a construction worker you will be working in compliance with HSE standards. Familiarising yourself with HSE […]
Why is a construction contract necessary? Before a contractor enters into any construction work with a client/owner, he or she should always put their agreement down in writing. A construction contract, like any other type of agreement, is a legally binding document that protects the rights of both parties and defines their expected services and […]
Self-employment registration If you wish to work for yourself, whether it be planning to start up your own sub-contractor business or being a sole trader, you will need to register with the Her Majesty’s Revenue Customs (HMRC) as self-employed. When you are registered you will the need to register with the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). […]
Your employer is looking for two things when you apply for work on a UK construction site: evidence that you have the health and safety knowledge necessary for the job as well as confirmation of your trade skills. A Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Card proves that you have both the aforementioned attributes. The construction […]
Your CV and Cover Letter are two different parts of your job application, which should mutually back each other up. So the first thing to know is that you don’t need to put things on your Cover Letter that are already on your CV. The Cover Letter is your way of introducing yourself to your […]
Construction can be an ideal way to work abroad. With positions ranging from labourers to site managers. Overseas or UK firms with contracts to fulfil abroad, are all potential employers for UK based construction workers. The level of qualification you have in the UK may influence your ability to work in construction abroad. For example, […]
The Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 (Section 8 ) requires that all UK employers be responsible for the legal work status of their employees. In order to work legally in the UK, you must have either a valid UK passport; or been granted leave to enter and remain in the country. In practical terms, this […]
The UK construction industry is one of the largest in the world. There are more than 300 individual trades connected with the business – from architects to demolition experts. And in every case, there is a training and qualifications route you can follow to arrive on the career path you want. Deciding what construction trade […]