What Work – Suffolk 2015 / 2016
CONSTRUCTION
The construction industry has had its ups and downs over recent years but
compared to other regions, the sector in the East of England is predicted to
grow more favourably. The number of jobs within some roles is expected
to grow, however there are also jobs such as electrician where the number
of jobs isn’t necessarily expected to rise but skilled people will be needed
to replace those who leave. Environmental targets mean there are some
exciting new areas to work in such as intelligent buildings.
What is happening?
Skills & qualities
• The sector is expected to grow over the next six
years, with 224,000 new jobs for the UK expected
over the next five years1. Around 21,300 of those
could be in the East of England.
• Roles most needing new workers in the region
include bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, painters
and decorators and logistics. Across the UK, skills
needed include building envelope specialists, civil
engineers, planners, surveyors, architects, wood
trade and interior fit-out, painters and decorators
and bricklayers. All areas will need managers, IT and
office-based staff2.
• A growing population, changes in our living habits
and energy savings means money is being put into
infrastructure, housing and leisure sectors.
• The sector is predicted to grow over the next six
years, with 17,000 people needed by 2020 to
replace those who leave or retire3.
What could you earn?*
Bricklayer
£24,800
Architect
£36,000
• There are some large infrastructure projects
taking place at the moment in the area such as the
Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth enterprise zone.
Wood joiner
£25,200
Painter and decorator
£21,900
Electrician
£30,200
• Over 38% of people working in construction are
self-employed and the figure is rising4.
Civil engineer
£38,500
• 13% of the workforce is female and it’s growing5.
• Opportunities for skilled craft work on old buildings
in the built heritage sector.
On the web
www.bconstructive.co.uk
www.the-nhtg.org.uk
www.architecture.com
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
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In demand...
Local employers
• R G Carter
• Dayle Bayliss
Associates
• Barnes
Construction
• Concertus
• Robert Norman
Construction
• Jackson Civil
Engineering
• Needhams
• Breheny
1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 Construction Skills * Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2014. Average full-time (median) salary rounded to the
nearest £100. Doesn’t include self employed.