G4C
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Essential InformationThe following questions are designed to help you understand what G4C stands for and how we can help you develop a career in the built environment. Contact G4CG4Cis here to create dialogue and support between young people studying or working in the built environment. By registering and becoming a member of G4C you will receive newsletters, invitations to events and can take full advantage of our free real time discussion room to connect with students, graduates and young professionals across the country. If you'd like to get in touch with us directly you can email us at G4C@constructingexcellence.org.uk. We encourage all questions, information, suggestions and feedback that would help us to help you or others. How can I get in touch with students from other universities/graduates from industry?You would need to contact the universities direct and ask for student contact details, and their permission to be contacted. We might be able to assist you if you are seeking to find out a particular information. What is a supply chain?A supply-chain refers to all the organisations involved in delivering a project. This ranges from the Client at the top of the supply-chain right down to the raw materials producer at the bottom. Buro Happold Ltd has produced a website called "What is Engineering" which explains the supply chain. What's the difference between contracting and consulting?Contracting and Consulting are two forms of Engineering. Typically consultants design and Contractors take the finished design from the Consultants and build it. Though some Contractors do offer design and build capabilities. Sustainable development - What does it mean? And how does it affect me?Sustainable development is a term often used in the modern Construction Industry. It is the belief that structures can be built in such a way that on assembly and throughout the lifetime of a structure, any detrimental impact on the environment is minimal. The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has published research on the benefits of sustainable development/construction and provides guidance on the models used to assess the sustainability of a development. How can I learn more about industry?Get involved with the professional institutions / G4C / industry journals / other site links This is what we are here for. Please navigate our web site, connect to the links on our site, and please feel free to contact us. Here are some useful links for starters:
EducationHow long will it take to achieve my professional qualification? This varies widely across the industry from a little over a year to as many as seven years. For further information you can contact the relevant institution responsible for approving your particular degree course. Which companies offer sandwich course placements?Your university should be able to give guidance on which companies offer placements, alternatively you can contact companies directly. An online list of companies operating in the Built Environment is available at Construction Jobs. What financial support is available to help me through my degree course?There are a variety of various bursaries/ grants/ scholarships and sponsorship, however, that doesn't mean you are guaranteed to get one of them, the best thing is to apply as soon as you can. To get information about bursaries and grants you should contact your Local Education Authority. You can find out how to contact yours using the Department of Education webpage. Some universities offer scholarships, but this varies. It is advised that you contact the university departments you are interested in to see what, if anything, is available. Sponsorships can be obtained by looking at companies you wish to be employed by and contacting their HR department. They should be able to advise on what is available. An online list of companies operating in the Built Environment is available at Construction Jobs of which, some may offer placements. What experience will companies expect me to have when I graduate?Apart form the obvious base knowledge in your chosen field from either your degree course of another form of accreditation, most companies would expect some form of knowledge and experience (however basic) in the following areas: Financial awareness Financial management Teamwork - working in groups Time Management Communication Skills What skills will I need?University requires dedication and application. You will need to understand that it is not an easy task but the information and teaching is there for the taking provided you possess a basic understanding of the issues involved, a willingness to learn and an organised approach. What skills will I use and develop once working in engineering / construction industry?An education in a particular construction discipline will give you the foundation knowledge to apply techniques and processes to real life situations. The skills you pick up while working in the industry are focused around how each situation is different and how you should adapt these techniques slightly and appropriately to achieve the desired outcome. Additional skills that will be developed are the softer skills associated with working in a team environment and effective communication, as you gain experience you will find that an understanding of the complementary disciplines involved with construction are also developed, which in turn allows you to work more efficiently. Should I do a three year course or a four year undergraduate degree course?It is widely believed that a four year undergraduate course, offering a year's practical experience before returning to complete the final year, presents a better understanding of the subject. A year in industry will help you apply your knowledge to real-life situations, understand the complementary processes and supply chain and allow you to work in a mentoring environment. All of which will provide a more holistic understanding of construction and your role within it. However, it is important that you find the right placement, one that will offer you appropriate experience / opportunities and an environment where you can exhibit your knowledge and understanding. There is an organisation dedicated to placing students in engineering and manufacturing, their website can be found here. Which are the best universities for graduate employment opportunities?Along with your academic grades and performance at interview, the quality and extent of a course provided at a university can determine how employers view graduates. Employers are aware of a university's academic and/or practical work records and also those who have accredited courses. It is important to research courses to suit you and your future aspirations before applying to universities. Information can be found in university prospecti and from the professional bodies. Many universities have links with specific employers. These links enable students to gain valuable work experience with the employers and give employers the chance to recruit those students who they feel will be most suited to working for their company in the long term. But this means that a university's links with an employer will not guarantee jobs for all its graduates! Quite often, it is the resourcefulness and motivation of the graduate which will ensure he/she has done the appropriate research to ensure success when approaching companies for employment. Should I consider a languages option?If you wish to work for an international company or in a particular foreign country it is perhaps sensible to make use of the opportunity to learn a foreign language while studying your other main subjects. An extra skill always shows both your motivation and diversity to employers and if you have learnt the language required for a particular job vacancy, your CV could go straight to the top of the pile! However, it is important to ensure that you are not overly distracted from your core subjects that are vital if you wish to eventually achieve chartered status. Will I be more employable with a languages option?Demonstrating any additional skill, such as the ability to learn foreign languages, shows you have the potential to learn and have other abilities outside your chosen profession. How can I get in touch with students from other universities/graduates from industry?You would need to contact the universities direct and ask for student contact details, and their permission to be contacted. We might be able to assist you if you are seeking to find out particular information. I find the technical stuff on my course really dull, is a career in eng/construction really for me?The essence of construction/engineering is technical; however you would only need to deal with these technicalities if you were to choose to become an engineer or designer. In other professional positions such as a consultant, quantity surveyor, project manager, planner, estimator, etc you may not be dealing with technical issues directly. There is something for everyone in this industry, but generally common sense and clear thinking go a long way. Routes into the Built EnvironmentWhich companies offer the best graduate training programmes?Two Building and Engineering companies were nominated on the latest Times Top 100 Graduate Employers. These were Arup and Peter Brett Associates. However, we would suggest that any company that offers the opportunity to get professionally qualified with them should be worth considering. Can I get any financial assistance / incentives from companies?Many companies offer sponsorship and discussions about this are regularly occurring in our forums. How can I get a summer work placement in industry?Contact companies directly. A good starting point is to log on to the New Civil Engineer's website. The website provides a company directory which you can search by region. How do I get into Project Management?All Companies across the supply chain are involved in Project Management in some shape or form. However, there are a number of companies who specialise in Project Management. The Association of Project Management should be able to provide guidance on how to get into Project Management and the skills that the majority of companies are looking for. What are the key skills I need to develop to get on in industry?The core of the essential skills are leadership, lateral thinking, communication, presentation, negotiation, motivation, and most of all team member. However, you would not be expected to possess all these at the start of your career. You would gain these during your career by being coached by your line managers and trained by internal/external organizations. Careers in the Built EnvironmentHow do I decide what type of company is right for me?Whilst company websites give you an overview of the scope of services that a company offers, an idea of locations and an insight through their recruitment sections, the best way to find out about a company is to ask the people already working there. By logging onto the G4C discussion forum you can communicate with graduates working with all the employers of choice across the construction supply chain. How do I get an overseas job?This can be largely dependant upon the culture and global positioning of the company you work for. Many large companies have a policy of sending their graduates overseas for 'in at the deep end' training experience, enabling fast track development. However, some companies operate a more time served approach, requiring you to achieve suitably sufficient experience / professional qualifications in homelands first. The best way is to research and contact companies directly to explain this need up front. Opportunities can be complicated and limited by in country licensing requirements, (e.g. USA). Use G4C discussion forum to find grads that have had overseas experiences. What can I expect to be earning after first 5 years/once chartered?The sky really is the limit and dependant on the company and industry sector you are in. However, typical salaries range between £28,000 - £40,000. What kind of starting salary can I earn?Starting salaries and packages vary, though typically as a graduate you should expect to earn approximately £20,000 to £28,000. In the current market graduates entering the construction industry can expect to enjoy a salary commensurate with other industries and opportunities beyond. How can I develop networks in industry?Having completed higher education, your ability to liaise and work with others can often be just as important as your academic grades. It is critical that you are pro-active in establishing networks within industry and do not let opportunities pass you by. It is an effort but if you are job searching, always ensure you carry an up to date version of your CV. You can establish networks by talking to family and friends, university lecturers, those who have graduated before you and by direct communication with companies and professional bodies. A 'golden opportunity' is a continuing professional development course, most professional bodies demand that their members go on these and therefore the variety of attendees is perfect for networking. Explain your situation, be enthusiastic, hand over your CV and most of all start using the G4C members area! What skills can I expect to develop and use in a career in engineering and construction?The core essential skills are leadership, lateral thinking, communication, presentation, negotiation, motivation, and most of all team member. However, you would not be expected to possess all these at the start of your career. You would gain these during your career by being coached by your line managers and trained by internal/external organisations. Can I fast track to management?If your employer realizes your potential in the management sector, he/she will unlock this potential and provide you with the required training to achieve this. However, you would need to spend a short amount of time learning the foundations and pillars of the business before you can join the top. Use your internal reviews with your line manager to discuss fast track opportunities. G4C are also organising a forum about fast tracking. See the G4C events calendar for details. If I discover the industry isn't for me, am I stuck?You would never be stuck joining the industry as you will always be able to move sideways into other career paths. The skills you would gain through your time in the construction industry would most probably be applicable and useful in the other industries, and this might even give you a competitive advantage. If you do realize this industry is not for you, you will be able to find another job by simply contacting a specialist recruitment agency or a company direct. However, we would strongly encourage you to speak to us or your manager before you make this move. Industry InformationBe and G4C aim to develop and implement processes to deliver integrated supply teams and chains through collaborative working. Be defines 'collaborative working' as follows: "working together in a seamless team for common objectives that deliver benefit to all". The concept embraces project team and supply chain integration, and the approaches share the following principles:
CWC The Collaborative Working Centre of Be was set up to support the development and implementation of integration and collaborative working by providing high-quality training, mentoring and other consultancy services. The Chairman of CWC, Sir Michael Latham, comments:
Career InformationCareers in the built environmentProfessions engaged in the built environment are wide and varied. Working together we all have a profound and far-reaching effect on civilized society. Professions in the built environment offer dynamism, challenge, variety, early responsibility, positions of leadership, opportunities to travel the world and, ultimately, that unparalleled, personal satisfaction that comes from knowing you made a real difference to the world. There can be no rewards more satisfying or inspiring than that magical moment when you look back and reflect "wow, look what we built"! Due to a growing fashion for social-science degrees and city based jobs, the built environment today is challenged by a growing skills shortage and a projected shortfall of able leaders and managers. This means that opportunities in engineering an construction are ripe for young talented and ambitious people who are prepared to step up and be counted. If you're a student thinking about career options in the built environment or a graduate looking to apply your skills in different sectors of the industry then the information on this site will hopefully help guide you to the right decision. Construction AmbassadorsConstruction ambassadors give young people a real-life perspective of the industry by visiting their schools and giving presentations or organising activities. The majority of G4C board members are enrolled on the scheme, accessed by attending a two day presentation course run by CITB aimed directly at equipping the ambassadors with the skills to present to a wide range of audiences. It is the intention of each ambassador to participate in three events organised by the CITB each year. These can range from infant or primary school children through to those making important career decisions at GCSE or A level standard. G4C are forging links with the CITB and in particular with Construction Ambassadors to ensure that maximum exposure is given to the scheme - G4C are young people thriving in the construction industry, very keen to shout about what makes the built environment so great. What is the Built Environment?The Built Environment is all around us. Buildings, bridges, transportation, water supply infrastructure, power stations, tunnels, stadiums, flood protection, ports, harbours, the list reads on. These are all products of the engineering and construction professions. From world famous skyline landmarks to the roads and railways you use to move around each day, the vast complexity of the built environment defines every aspect of our lives and lies at the heart of civilization. The built environment is created through the remarkable collaborative efforts of the engineering and construction industry, an industry which is critical to the global economy and a key employment provider. The built environment is the diversity All projects are different. Each one has its own a unique set of customer requirements, constraints, inputs and outputs that define the strategies and processes best employed to deliver the project. However, the built environment is characterised by one important common link – all projects are delivered through the same typical process, from project inception to handover, operation and eventually demolition. This process is the Project Life Cycle. Project Life CycleIf you are a student of the built environment then follow the information below may help guide you through the key stages of the project life cycle and the players involved in delivering a typical project. 1. Client Brief – Concept DevelopmentProjects are born from a client (or customer) need to satisfy their own needs for business growth. An initial concept for a facility forms the basis for the Clients brief. The brief defines the project success criteria; detailing time, budget and quality requirements. The Client is King – the key stakeholder in the project. The Client organisation can vary in the amount of engineering and construction knowledge and experience they have but typically a Consultancy and/or a Project Manager will be appointed to assist in scoping and defining the project requirements. Who is the Client?The Client is the party who is investing in the new facility, sometimes but not always the end user. As in all industries, building a strong client relationship is key to winning future projects. Over the last decade the industry has grown to realize what it takes to keep the customer happy and is taking positive steps towards better understanding the needs of the Client. Some of the UK’s largest Client companies are members of G4C’s parent body CE. 2. Feasibility StudyOnce the concept is defined the Client will need to assess and decide whether it is economically feasible – i.e. will the project gain an acceptable return on investment. In assessing feasibility, a multitude of factors have to be considered, encompassing the principal concerns of cost, quality, time and safety. Specialist Consultants and/or Project Managers will often assist in the production of this study and guide the Client in making the right business decision. Who gets involved?The Cost Managers The Cost Manager acts as the financial and commercial gatekeeper to the project, from securing funding, monitoring and managing the budget to finalising the account. They help the client maximise value for money from his budget whilst maintaining the cash flow on the project. 3. Concept DesignThe brief will then need to be developed further and transformed into a simple design that will allow the client to cost and procure (cause to happen) his/her project. This is normally done by the same consultancy as involved in the brief exercise. Who gets involved?The ArchitectThis is the person in charge of making sure that the building is functional, pleasant to look at and nice to spend time in. The project managersThese are the people that have to ensure the project is completed on time, quality and budget. They also need to ensure that all parties are working together and in a coordinated fashion. Health & Safety is also a very important element of their work and they need to make sure that the Planner’s instructions are followed. 4. ProcurementThe client will then need to decide if it is going to appoint a “design & build” contractor to complete the detailed design and then build the project, or if he/she wishes for the consultancy to complete the design and co-ordinate all the elements of the project and then sub-contract the construction works. Who gets involved?The specialist contractorsThese are the people that actually install elements of the building and understand the practical aspects of engineering inside out. Normally they will have design/engineering capabilities to assist the consultant where and when needed. Legal ConsultantThese people will be involved during the procurement process to ensure that contracts are drafted and amended correctly and to protect the interests of the people involved in the project. Additionally, when projects have serious difficulties the legal consultants will intervene to try and resolve any issues and advise all parties accordingly. These people give us the re-assurance of their expertise should we encounter issues that are not straightforward to deal with. 5. Detailed DesignWhich ever decision the client makes at the Procurement stage, the concept design needs to be completed to such a degree that any experienced installer can take away the design information and co-ordinate and manage the works. Who gets involved?The PlannerThe planner needs to ensure that all Government legislations and procedures are met before the project is allowed to commence. The engineering consultants (civil and building services) The engineering consultants have to translate the Client’s vision and the architect’s aspirations into something that can mechanically function and perform as required. 6. ConstructionAt this stage the actual installation works commence and this is where all the unresolved issues and potential problems come out; capable consultants and contractors need to sit together and resolve these items in order to make the installation works a success. Who gets involved?The main contractorThis is the construction company in charge of bringing all installation parties together and delivering the building in a safe and efficient manner. The suppliers. From bricks & mortar to lighting and fire system providers, these are the people that will supply everything the specialist contractors require to complete their installation works. Also, where details and performance matter, they are probably the most knowledgeable when it comes to their product, which is particularly important. 7. Testing & CommissioningOnce the construction is completed we then have to make sure that that the building performs as it is designed to do and that the client and end user take ownership of a high quality building. 8. Operation & MaintenanceIt is crucial that the building is then operated and maintained in a way that ensures its lifespan is prolonged and it is always a pleasing environment to live, work or be entertained in. Who uses the building?The End User.These are the people that will be occupying and using the facility, so as far as we are concerned they are as important as the Client. They are important from a design perspective and any design brief needs to be sensitive to the end user needs if indeed they are known. 9. De-commissioningAt the end of the life span of the building the client will need his/her building refurbished, up graded or simply de-commissioned (dismantled / taken out of service). |
