Construction Jobs
Project Resource specialises in supplying professional workers
to the construction industry. Project Resource is a recruitment
specialist that supplies the whole lifecycle of white collar
workers to the Construction, Civil Engineering and Infrastructure
industries.
Construction is a process that consists of the building or
assembling of infrastructure on a site or sites. Far from being a
single activity, large scale construction is multifaceted. A
project is managed by the Project Manager and supervised by the
Construction Manager, Design Engineer, Construction Engineer or
Project Architect.
For the successful execution of a project, effective planning is
essential. Those involved with the design and execution of the
infrastructure in question must consider the environmental impact
of the job, the successful scheduling, budgeting, site safety,
availability of materials, logistics, inconvenience to the public
caused by construction delays, preparing tender documents, etc.
Types of Construction Projects
There are three types of construction projects:
- Building construction (i.e. housing, offices, retail)
- Heavy/civil construction (i.e. highways, streets, bridges,
underground utilities, drainage facilities)
- Industrial construction (i.e. factories, refineries)
Each type of construction project requires a unique team to
plan, design, construct, and maintain the project.
Construction process
Design (pre-build phase)
Construction usually involves the translation of paper or
computer aided designs into reality. A formal design team may be
assembled to plan the physical proceedings, and to integrate those
proceedings with the other parts. Design usually consists of
drawings and specifications, usually prepared by a design team
including the client Architects, Interior Designers, Surveyors,
Civil Engineers, Cost Engineers (or Quantity Surveyors), Mechanical
Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Structural Engineers, Planners and
Health and Safety Professionals. The design team is most commonly
employed by (i.e. in contract with) the end client.
Tender (pre-build phase)
Once the design is completed by the design team, a number of
onstruction companies or construction management companies may then
be asked to make a bid, known as tender for the work, either based
directly on the design, or on the basis of drawings and a bill of
quantities provided by a Quantity Surveyor. Bids for work are
normally compiled by a Bid Manager, with the possible assistance of
estimators, quantity surveyors, planners and procurement. Following
evaluation of bids, the owner will typically award a contract to
the most appealing bidder.
Procurement (pre-build phase)
Procurement describes the merging of activities undertaken by
the client to obtain a building.There are many different methods of
construction procurement; however the three most common types of
procurement are:
- Traditional (Design-bid-build)
- Design and Build
- Management Contracting
Construction (build phase)
Once a project commences a Project Manager or Construction
Manager will manage the project until completion. Also involved in
the build process are Quantity Surveyors, Civil Engineers,
Structural Engineers, Planners or Project Controllers, Mechanical
Engineers, Electrical Engineers and Health and Safety
professionals.
Post Construction (Claims, Arbitration or Dispute
Resolution)
Once the project is complete, should a dispute occur then claims
may be made against either party. Should claims be made against one
another, then the companies in question may seek professional
advice/assistance from a specialist claims consultancy if they do
not have the expertise themselves or they may hire in a Freelance
specialist.
Construction Professions
There are three main tiers of careers based on educational
background which are common internationally:
- Unskilled and Semi-Skilled: General site labour (trade person)
with little or no construction qualifications.
- Skilled: On-site managers whom possess extensive knowledge and
experience in their profession.
- Technical and Management: Personnel with the greatest
educational qualifications usually graduate degrees, trained to
design, manage and instruct the construction process.
Project Resource focuses on the supply of skilled,
technical and management professions only, we do not supply trade
persons.
Main professions with an outline of the educational
requirements:
Architecture &
Design
Typically holds at least a 4-year degree in architecture. To use
the title "architect" the individual must hold chartered status
with the Royal Institute of British Architects and be on the
Architects Registration Board.
Health and
Safety/CDM Coordination
Typically holds a two year or greater higher education
qualification, but are often also qualified in another field such
as Civil Engineering. Typically hold a NEBOSH or IOSH
qualification.
Bid
Management/Estimating
Typically holds a higher education qualification, but are often
also qualified in another field such as Quantity Surveying or Civil
Engineering.
Supply Chain,
Procurement and Buyers
Typically holds a higher education qualification, but are often
also qualified in another field such as Quantity Surveying or Civil
Engineering. CIPS chartered status is normally held by procurement
professionals.
Planning and Project
Controls
Typically holds higher education qualification, but are often
also qualified in another field such as Quantity Surveying or Civil
Engineering.
Commercial
Management and Quantity Surveyor
Typically holds a bachelors or masters degree in Quantity
Surveying. Chartered status is gained from the Royal Institute of
Chartered Surveyors.
Project
Management
Typically holds a two year or greater higher education
qualification, but are often also qualified in another field such
as Quantity Surveying or Civil Engineering.
Civil
Engineering
Typically holds a degree in a related subject. The Chartered
Engineer qualification is controlled by the Institution of Civil
Engineers. A new university graduate must hold a masters degree to
become chartered, persons with bachelors degree may become an
Incorporated Engineer.
Structural
Engineering
Typically holds a bachelors or masters degree in Structural
Engineering, new university graduates must hold a masters degree to
gain chartered status from the Institution of Structural
Engineers.
Building Services
Engineer
Often referred to as a Mechanical and Electrical Engineer,
typically holds a degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
Chartered Engineer status is governed by the Chartered Institution
of Building Services Engineers.
Claims,
Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Typically holds a bachelors or masters degree, normally in a
Construction, Civil Engineering or legal discipline.
Building
Surveyor
Typically holds a bachelors or masters degree in Building
Surveying. Chartered status is gained from the Royal Institute of
Chartered Surveyors.