Construction labourer

Construction labourers carry out a range of practical tasks that help skilled workers. The work involves tasks such as moving materials, operating equipment and digging. The work is often physically demanding.

Also known as:

• Building labourer

Work activities

Construction labourers carry out various tasks to help building sites run smoothly.

They might do things like:

• Dig trenches.
• Mix and lay concrete.
• Operate machinery, use equipment such as cement mixers, drills and pumps.
• Move, load and unload materials.

The work can also involve driving a fork-lift truck and other construction site vehicles. Labourers have to keep the site tidy and look after tools and equipment. Experienced construction labourers are often the link person between the site manager and the craft workers. Construction labourers wear protective safety clothing such as a helmet, high visibility jacket, boots and overalls at all times.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

As a construction labourer, you’ll need:

• Physical fitness, strength and stamina to cope with lifting and bending.
• A head for heights.
• To be able to understand instructions and carry them out reliably and efficiently.
• Some knowledge of health and safety issues.
• Some of the work is outdoors, so you should be prepared to work in all kinds of weather conditions.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Construction labourers earn in the range of £17,000 a year, rising to £32,000 a year, with experience.

Construction labourers work a 42-44-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

Employers include building, construction and civil engineering companies of all sizes. These range from local building firms employing one or two operatives, to nationally known firms employing hundreds of operatives. Opportunities for construction labourers occur on building sites in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

Construction labourers enter by applying directly to individual companies. You probably won’t need any qualifications to get into this job.

Some people go into this career via a level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in a role such as the following:

• Groundworker
• Piling attendant
• Road surfacing operative

Your training will be on-the-job.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS): For most building companies, you’ll need a CSCS card to work on site. These cards show that you are qualified to do the work you’ve been employed for. Go to the CSCS website for more details.

With experience and training, operatives can move into craft-level roles, such as bricklayer.

Qualifications

You do not always need educational qualifications to enter this work. For intermediate apprenticeships, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Applicants who are physically fit and have related skills gained in the construction industry will be considered for training.

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