Construction & Engineering

Most bricklayers work for building contractors and local authorities. Others become self-employed and work on a sub-contract basis for companies as 'labour only' (with the building contractor supplying the materials).

Carpenters and joiners work in a variety of different craft skills areas such formwork, machining, site work and shopfitting. There are also opportunities in other industries, for example, a film or theatre set designer.

Painters and decorators use paint, varnishes and wallpaper to decorate rooms on domestic jobs and apply more complex finishes including Artex, rag-rolling, graining and marbling. On an industrial job, painters work on structures and use abrasive blasting methods to remove old coatings and apply new ones.

Plumbers install, service and repair hot and cold water supplies, heating systems and drainage networks. They can also specialise in sheet metal work on industrial, commercial and historical buildings. This type of work involves cutting, shaping and fitting sheeting materials made from aluminium, copper, lead and zinc.

Electricians usually work on domestic or commercial projects. On construction or refurbishment projects, an electrician will usually follow architects’ or contractors' detailed plans to locate and install wiring, sockets and points. Commercial work will be on a much larger scale.

Those employed in the area of motor vehicle servicing and repair normally work within four different areas – light vehicles, heavy vehicles, motor cycles and auto electrics.