The building materials industry offers diverse career paths with big potential earnings

A JOB in construction does not just mean the traditional site roles and trades.

Instead of laying bricks, plumbing or carpentry, why not consider a career in the building materials industry?

SuppliedAbbie Johnson is the manager of building merchant Alsford’s Brighton operation[/caption]

The £51billion sector employs almost 200,000 people but is often overlooked for more high-profile skills.

To help address a growing shortage, national trade body the Builders Merchants Federation has launched a campaign showcasing options available.

More than 1,000 companies have come together to highlight the range of roles on offer.

BMF chairman Richard Hill said: “By establishing building materials as a distinct sector, it becomes distinguishable from the wider construction industry.

“It defines the role of builders’ merchants and suppliers who make, sell and distribute all the products that are needed for the UK’s building and construction projects.

“And it offers a wealth of vibrant and dynamic career paths across product development, finance, logistics, marketing and distribution.”

Jobs in building materials range from branch positions that are responsible for selling supplies, to facilities staff who keep buildings maintained.

There is also manufacturing, sustainability, logistics and warehousing.

Ways into the industry include apprenticeships and graduate schemes, with salaries ranging from £23,000 for an entry-level role to six- figure sums for senior management positions.

The federation’s new recruitment campaign is targeting school leavers, career switchers with transferable skills and also those people coming out of the Armed Forces, who might already have many of the qualities needed to succeed in the materials sector.

Abbie Johnson is the manager of building merchant Alsford’s Brighton operation.

The 28-year-old began her career as a yard assistant at the age of 16 and worked her way up to be a branch manager six years later, aged 22.

Abbie said: “There are no minimum qualifications to start out in an entry-level role. It’s down to attitude and behaviour.

“Having a positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential.

“I love working as part of team.

“We get to meet members of the local community and support any project they have — not just housebuilding but things ranging from putting decking in gardens to adding new shelving in homes.

“I love being able to make a difference to all of our customers.

“The career development within the building materials sector is huge — from learning how to drive a forklift or taking part in management training schemes, to being trained on using woodworking machinery or developing your career in commercial or buying.

“Wherever your passions lie, in this industry there is a role for everyone.”

John Newcomb, who is chief executive of the BMF, said: “We need to invest in a building materials supply chain, that brings a diversity of skills to produce the materials needed for a new generation of construction projects for the future.

“This includes meeting the Government’s pledge to build 1.5million homes in the UK.”

To find out more about the career opportunities, see bmcareers.com.

IT’S ICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT

SIGN up for the world’s coolest job – 9,000 miles away in Antarctica.

The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust is recruiting for specialised workers to join the team at Port Lockroy.

UKAHTThe UK Antarctic Heritage Trust is recruiting for specialised workers to join the team at Port Lockroy in Antartica[/caption]

Chief executive Camilla Nichol said: “We are on the hunt for skilled conservation carpenters who are ready to take on one of the most unique and challenging roles in the world.

“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity involves working in one of the harshest environments on the planet, preserving and restoring our historic site, a key part of Britain’s Antarctic heritage.

“We are looking for individuals who not only have the necessary expertise but also the resilience and passion to protect these important sites for future generations.”

The role offers a rare chance to work at the historic site on the frozen continent.

All travel, food, accommodation and essential polar clothing are provided. The contract runs from October this year to March 2026.

The successful candidates will receive full training before leaving the UK.

For more information and to apply, see careers.ukaht.org/jobs.

EXPLAIN GAPS IN YOUR CV

MANY people choose to step away from work to travel, care for relatives or for other personal reasons.

But a gap in your CV is still regarded with suspicion by some employers.

suppliedRobbie Bryant, from the Open Study College[/caption]

Careers expert Robbie Bryant, from the Open Study College, says: “Candidates just need to be honest about the time spent away from work and what skills or training they feel they may need a refresh on in order to fulfil the job requirements.”

Here Robbie, pictured, shares his advice for explaining a career gap to a potential employer . . . 

REDUNDANCY: Tell a them what you’ve learnt from your experience of being made redundant. It will portray a good work ethic.

TRAVELLING: Employers want to know why you have travelled, but don’t say just for fun. Explain whether it was to experience different cultures, learn new languages or develop new skills.

CARING: You don’t need to go into the full details, just be confident in your response and make sure the employer knows why you’ve decided to come back to work now.

HOLDING OUT FOR RIGHT ROLE: Not rushing into a job and planning to pursue your dream career is wise. Position your break as a time to explore what you truly wanted to do in life and show how and why you’ve come to this decision. This will demonstrate genuine interest and determination to succeed in the role you are applying for.

SCIENCE SPURS FOR KIDS

TOTTENHAM Hotspur football cub has teamed up with Schneider Electric to help children work towards careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Launching this summer, the Spurs programme will see pupils from nearby North London primary schools take part in a range of workshops and interactive activities.

Alex Morton/THFCSpurs have teamed up with Schneider Electric to help children work towards careers in science, technology, engineering and maths[/caption]

Subjects covered include robotics and machine control and sustainable energy.

Kelly Becker, head of Schneider Electric UK, said: “We need to inspire talent from an early age if we are truly going to harness the potential of the energy transition.”

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