The construction industry has massively evolved over the last two decades with high-profile construction contractors leading and pioneering the built environment sector, as well as adapting to the world around them. As a result, working in construction has changed significantly - rendering common conceptions of the industry as no longer relevant. So which construction myths can we now dispel as a result of these industry changes?
You’re limited to ‘hands-on’ roles
The construction career landscape has become broader, and with it more opportunities are available to people with varying skillsets. Gone are the days where a job in the construction industry was available to those who were ‘good-with-their-hands’, with more and more management and creative roles now readily accessible. This shift has been born out of the ever-increasingly capitalist mind-set of society, with more monetary focussed business practices – hence requiring people skilled in finance or other ‘non-practical’ experience.
You can only work locally
UK based construction companies are now flourishing overseas with new projects starting worldwide each and every year. Therefore, every trade in the construction industry has become relevant to the global market, meaning, your skills are required wherever you want to leave. Gone are the days where your prospects as a bricklayer relied on the smaller contractors that operated locally.
With transport links getting better and better, the world is becoming a smaller place, therefore, professionals working in the construction industry are now commuting further than they ever have done before.
Your work harms the environment
Largely, the construction industry is now one of the largest contributors to sustainability in the world. With government legislation helping shape the day to day operations of all construction companies, these businesses have had to adapt to ‘thinking green’. Look at the sheer amount of eco-friendly or ‘green buildings’ that have been constructed over the last couple of decades, as well as the rise of solar panelling. As a whole the industry is only getting greener.
Your work doesn’t matter to people
In the past, one of a construction worker’s biggest would be being perceived as a very small cog in an enormous engine. These days it is quite the opposite. No matter what size of project you are working on, from an ultra-modern city skyscraper, to a smaller scale residential build, the construction industry has become adept at recognising the roles of its workers.
With property prices rising, public awareness and appreciation of the built environment has increased significantly, with most home owners considering themselves lucky to own a property – therefore the general interest in building work has accelerated.
