High-Demand Construction Jobs in the UK & How to Get Qualified

The UK construction sector is booming across residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. Employers are offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract the skilled workers they need. In Northern Ireland, for instance, wages are among the highest in the country (Federation of Master Builders, 2024).

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1 | SITE SUPERVISOR & SITE MANAGER

Site Supervisors coordinate daily tasks, enforce health & safety and ensure materials arrive on time. Typically starting around £26,000, experienced supervisors progress to £50,000+. Site Managers oversee entire projects—planning labour, budgets and compliance. Salaries range from £47,000 to £70,000+ for seasoned managers.

QUALIFICATIONS: SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) and SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme), plus CSCS Black Card for managerial roles.

2 | STEEL FIXERS

Steel Fixers install reinforcement bars and mesh into concrete. The role demands physical stamina and precision at heights. Entry-level earnings start at £14,000–£18,000, rising to £35,000+ with experience.

QUALIFICATIONS: CSCS Green Card, followed by CPCS A72 reinforcement certificates or NVQ Level 2 in Steel Fixing.

3 | ELECTRICIANS

Electricians fit and maintain wiring systems in homes and businesses. Apprentices begin at £8,000+, newly qualified operate at £14,000–£19,000, and senior tradespeople earn £30,000–£36,000.

QUALIFICATIONS: NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation, ECS or CSCS Card, plus First Aid & Health & Safety certificates.

4 | PLUMBERS

Plumbers install and repair water systems. Starting salaries are £11,000–£15,000, rising to £27,000–£31,000 for senior fitters. Gas work requires additional Gas Safe registration.

QUALIFICATIONS: NVQ/SVQ Level 2/3 in Plumbing, CSCS Card and Gas Safe Card if handling gas appliances.

5 | ROOFERS

Roofers erect and repair roofs. Entry-level roles begin at £12,000+, with experienced operatives earning up to £32,000. The work is physically demanding and requires safe working at height.

QUALIFICATIONS: NVQ in Cladding, Roofing & Sheeting and a valid CSCS Card.

6 | BRICKLAYERS

Bricklayers build walls and structures using bricks and blocks. Salaries range from £12,300 for newcomers to £40,000+ for senior masons working on complex contracts.

QUALIFICATIONS: NVQ Level 2/3 in Bricklaying and CSCS Card.

7 | PLASTERERS

Plasterers prepare walls and ceilings for decoration. Entry-level start at £12,000; experienced trades earn £29,000–£32,000.

QUALIFICATIONS: Level 1–3 Diplomas in Plastering and a CSCS Card.

BOOST YOUR CV WITH CPD COURSES

Course	Benefit
Fire Marshal Training	Lead emergency response teams
Traffic Marshal / Banksman	Control plant movements safely
Working at Height	Supervise scaffold & MEWP operations
National Water Hygiene	Access clean-water utility projects

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GET THE QUALIFICATIONS EMPLOYERS DEMAND:

SECURE YOUR CSCS GREEN CARD BOOK SSSTS COURSE BOOK SMSTS COURSE

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