I want to talk about finding construction jobs in England. The construction sector is always very active in the UK, especially in big cities like London, where companies hire a lot of people. Working on a construction site is very dangerous, and construction companies pay attention to all aspects of workplace safety. For this reason, all big companies hire only employees who have a CSCS certificate and a safety certificate.
If you are interested in a construction job in England, you need to know what you need to work in the UK.
In order to work in the construction sector in the UK, you must have a document called CSCS (Constructions Skills Certificate Scheme Card). It is a document that certifies that your professionalism has been verified. Basically, it is the document that says you are capable of doing this type of work. So there are many CSCS: for masons, carpenters, painters, plumbers, etc. All information about the CSCS you can find on its website
To get this certificate, you have to pass an exam. There are different types of CSCS/CITB exams, depending on the type of job, qualification and experience of the applicant. The exam takes about 45 minutes and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. The test is designed to test your occupational, health and safety knowledge. The CITB (Building Construction Training Board) provides all the information about the exams.
To pass the exam, you can study specific texts. You can also search the internet for the selection questions. If you want to attend a preparation course instead, you can choose between different institutes:
As you can see, you need to know English well to acquire the CSCS. You can ask your employer to take care of obtaining this certificate, it will be easier. But in any case, you will have to take the test, and therefore you will have to know some English, even if it seems possible to use a translator.
If you are thinking of skipping the test by going to non-reputable agencies that will issue you the certificate without testing, you should know that you would not be the first. With around 300 pounds, it is possible to acquire the CSCS certificate illegally. However, keep in mind that sometimes inspections are conducted and the illegally acquired CSCS certificates are canceled.
For those with a foreign degree, it is possible to apply for recognition through Naric, which deals with the recognition of foreign professional qualifications.
It should be noted that the CSCS is not mandatory. The law states that anyone performing construction work must be competent, but the CSCS is not mandatory. However, almost all major construction companies require it.
To work in construction in the UK, you have two options:
1.Work as a self-employed
You need to find your clients, especially private clients for small jobs. Sometimes construction companies are looking for freelancers, so you need to be registered as a self-employed person. You will need to contact agencies who will refer you to the companies they want you to work for in return for a commission. Agency Central gives you the opportunity to see all the agencies in the UK.
2.Work for a construction company (a bricklayer earns between £ 10 and £ 20/hour).
These are some websites to find jobs in construction:
- Agency Central, gives you the opportunity to see all agencies operating in the construction sector, in UK
- The construction job, worldwide construction job vacancies
- Careers in construction, construction jobs in Great Britain
Web sites of some major companies, in London, to apply for a job:
- Go Construct, construction jobs in London and beyond
- KD Brickwork, well-known construction company in London
- ADG interior design, company specialized in interior renovation
If you want to have all the information about how to work in the United Kingdom, I recommend you to read the article: How to work in the UK after Brexit
