Benefits of White-Collar Construction: From Job Security to High Pay
The construction industry is rapidly growing, offering a multitude of benefits for those who chose to pursue a career in white-collar construction. From job security to high pay, this sector is attracting professional candidates looking for stable and lucrative job opportunities. Unlike traditional blue-collar jobs, white-collar construction careers require specialised skills and knowledge, which often results in higher wages and better benefits. As demand grows, so do the opportunities for advancement and growth within this field. Financial rewards are not the only benefit of working within white-collar construction, candidates also get a high sense of achievement by contributing to the infrastructure of cities and communities. Whether you’re a recent graduate, or just looking for a career change, white-collar construction may be the perfect choice for you.
The growth of white-collar construction jobs
The construction industry has long been known as a blue-collar field, with many workers performing manual labour and reads such as carpentry, plumbing, scaffolding and electrical work. However, in recent years, the industry has seen a shift towards an increase in white-collar jobs, with a growing need for architects, engineers, and project managers.
According to the SIA (Staffing industry analysts), permanent white-collar jobs spiked again by 28% in January 2022. The demand for contractors was also up by 38%. This growth within the industry is driven by several different factors, such as investment from local authorities. This massive growth has left opened many opportunities for those wishing to not only progress but also enter into their first white-collar construction role.
You can read more on the SIA’s research in the below blog post-
Benefits of white-collar construction jobs
There are several benefits to white-collar construction that make them a viable career path for many. One of the most significant advantages is the opportunity for high pay and the job security that comes with these positions. In addition to high salaries, white-collar construction jobs offer excellent job security in comparison to contract work.
Career Advancement
As you gain experience and develop your skills, the opportunity to move up the ladder and take on more responsibilities, along with higher pay and benefits will present itself. As an example, entry-level project managers may start by managing smaller-scale construction projects, then, with time oversee multiple projects at a time. It is likely that construction project managers have worked previously as estimators, surveyors or building technicians.
Education and Training
To succeed in white-collar construction jobs, it’s essential to have the right training and education. Some require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as architecture, engineering, or construction management. However, some employers will consider candidates with site experience and may be willing to commit to professional standard certified training.
Examples of white-collar construction jobs
Architect: Responsible for designing buildings and other structures that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Engineer: Responsible for the design, development and testing of new construction materials, systems and processes.
Project manager: Responsible for overseeing the planning, design and construction of projects, ensuring they are completed within budget and to tight deadlines.
Construction Manager: Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a construction site, including managing workers, coordinating with subcontractors, and ensuring safety regulations are followed.
How to get started in white-collar construction
There are several steps you can take to get started if you are interested in pursuing a career in white-collar construction. Firstly, research the different types of jobs available in this field, and see which roles align with your skills and interests. Next, consider perusing a degree or certification in a related field to allow you to gain the necessary knowledge and skills.
Once you have determined you have the right education and training, it’s time to start looking and applying for jobs. Networking is a great way to get ahead of the competition. It is also worth speaking to recruitment agencies, such as ESD Recruitment. By registering with a construction specialist recruitment agency such as ESD Recruitment, you gain the advantage of a recruiter reaching out to an existing pool of clients.
Challenges
Whilst white-collar construction jobs offer a multitude of benefits, they also come with challenges. For example, many white-collar construction jobs can be high-stress, with tight deadlines and strict budgets. When projects are not going to plan, longer hours and sometimes longer travel is required in order to hit particular KPI’s.
Conclusion
White-collar construction jobs offer a wide range of benefits, from high pay and job security to opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfilment. Whether you’re a recent graduate or looking for a career change, this rapidly growing industry may just be the perfect choice for you. If you are interested in looking for your next white-collar construction role, contact our team for a confidential chat on 01708 973038.
