The construction industry plays an important role in the growth and development of the Irish economy. Over the past few years, the construction industry in Ireland has experienced significant growth through investment in infrastructure, residential and commercial projects. When it comes to construction projects there are many different roles, from Project Managers to General Labourers each project is sure to have a mix of each role.
This guide is for those who are currently working or aspiring to work within the Irish construction industry and those who want to learn more about the different types of roles within the industry.
Skilled Trades Jobs
When people first hear of construction jobs, they are more than likely thinking of skilled trade roles. These on-stie jobs are more specialised such as Carpenters, Electricians and Plumbers.
An excellent route to get into work as a skilled tradesperson is training as an apprentice under the Designated Crafts Scheme with SOLAS. An apprenticeship allows you to learn a trade through practical on the job work, earning a wage as you are instructed. The training is structured, with apprentices taking blocks of training that allow them to develop a rounded, complete skill set suitable to the modern construction site.
General Labour Jobs
A General Labour role is physical, hands-on work that doesn’t require much formal training. There are a wide variety of tasks that fall under this category, but most general labour jobs include assisting skilled workers, cleaning sites, breaking down structures safely and preparing outdoor spaces around sites.
Characteristics of General Labour jobs consist of tool operation, unloading and loading, following instructions, machine operation, removal, demolition, communication and identifying materials.
Project Management and Supervisory Roles
Construction project management and supervisory professionals oversee and coordinate all aspects of construction projects, from initiation to execution and completion. They meticulously plan, direct and manage the project, ensuring it stays on budget and schedule. They also handle the preparation and review of project bids and the negotiation and management of subcontractor contracts.
Job roles that fall within this job type are Construction Manager: who coordinate all aspects of a project. Site Supervisor: who ensures daily operations run smoothly and Estimator: who calculates a projects costs and timelines.
Most Construction Managers enter this work with a degree in construction management or civil engineering followed by in-company management training. Those who have completed a National Certificate or National Diploma in Building Studies or Construction Management you may enter construction management at higher technician level. Some construction workers enter as craft apprentices and work their way up to be a craft trained supervisor before moving on to construction management.
Design and Engineering Roles
Those who work within design and engineering construction roles use a variety of tools – including computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software – to develop designs for multiple construction projects.
Roles that will fall under this type of construction work are Architects, Civil Engineers and Surveyors. Architects are responsible for designing buildings, Civil Engineers ensure structural integrity and safety while Surveyors measure and map out sites.
The main pathway to work in one of these roles is mainly through education. There are a wide range of courses available in the Construction, Architecture & Property sector. These courses are offered at different levels depending on the amount of preparation and knowledge/skills required for the job.
Heavy Equipment and Machine Operators
A heavy equipment and machine operator operate various tools and machines used in engineering and construction projects. Typically, only skilled workers may operate heavy equipment and there is specialised training for learning to use heavy equipment. Examples of these roles would be Crane Operator, Forklift Driver and Excavator Driver
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) programmes provide for the training, assessment, certification and registration of non-craft operatives such as heavy equipment and machine operatives. Anyone working in one of these occupations is legally required to hold a SOLAS CSCS Registration Card.
Since construction projects are often outside, heavy equipment operators may work in a wide variety of weather conditions. These may include cold weather, rain, high temperatures or fast winds.
Support and Administrative Roles
These are non-field construction roles but are critical to a projects success. What will be classed under this type of construction role would be Accountants, HR Managers and Safety Officers. These roles are heavily involved in the background of construction projects and will carry out duties that make the site tick and run smoothly.
Conclusion
The construction industry is a massive sector to the Irish economy, within it there are many roles from General Labourers, Safety Officers and Project Managers – all playing a vital part into the success of a project. With the wide range of construction jobs available it should be encouraging for individuals interested in working in the sector to choose a pathway based on their interests and skills.
Start today by reading our Jobseekers Advice Blogs or Seach For A Job
