Alternative Careers for Construction Workers

January 31, 2025
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Changing careers is a daunting prospect and the thought of starting anew can be understandably overwhelming. Nevertheless, it can also be incredibly rewarding and signal the beginning of new and exciting opportunities that facilitate personal and professional growth. There are many reasons that someone may choose to change jobs at any stage in their career. For those working in construction, the physical toll of the job or limited chances for progression may cause you to consider new opportunities. Thankfully, many construction workers possess valuable transferable skills that can open doors to new industries and new careers. 

In this article we will cover what to consider when changing careers, highlight the transferable skills gained from a career in construction and explore alternative careers for construction workers using those skills. 

Changing Career After Working in Construction

Construction can be a rewarding and fulfilling career due to its variety and the opportunity to directly see the impact of your work whilst learning new and diverse skills. However, construction is a physically demanding and strenuous job that can potentially cause long-lasting damage to the body over time. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notes that whilst there have been significant improvements in conditions over recent years, construction remains a high-risk industry for health issues. In fact, their Construction Statistics in Great Britain 2024 report highlights that 52% of all ill health reported in the sector was caused by work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Moreover, whilst construction is known for being one of the highest-paying incomes in the country, like many industries, it is subject to the whim of the economy. Economic downturn can result in increased labour and supply costs which negatively impacts income. In 2021 the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that the average hourly labour income for those in the construction industry was persistently lower than the rest of the economy. Whilst this can be seen as a reflection of lower productivity post-covid, it highlights the potential lack of financial security within the sector, which can make securing a consistent, well-paying income difficult for many. 

Recognising that you want to change careers marks the beginning of a new and exciting journey, nevertheless, this does not negate the uncertainty that surrounds the change. Switching careers is much more than simply applying for a new role in a new industry and there are various things that you should consider before committing to the switch. Common concerns around changing careers include inadequate qualifications or training, difficulties adjusting to a new working environment and worries about changes in income. These are valid concerns and it is important to take the time to consider how you will adapt to and overcome these challenges. If after careful consideration you decide that a career change is still the best course of action for you, then it is time to explore your options. 

construction worker at workplace

Changing careers can involve the same role within a new industry, a new role within the same industry or a new role within a different industry. Irrespective of which transitional path you choose to follow, each route provides the opportunity to use the skills and knowledge gained in your current profession and apply them to new tasks and responsibilities. The benefits of changing careers include personal and professional development, an improved work-life balance, exposure to new challenges and the opportunity to learn new skills. As such, it is important to have a strong idea of why you wish to change your career so that you can seek out that change in a new position. 

For example, as a construction worker you may find that the physical toll of the job has become too much, causing you to seek out a less physically demanding job such as office work. This is not necessarily at odds with a career in construction and you may find that switching to a managerial role that is office based and in the same industry, such as project management, provides you with the change that you were looking for without having to change sectors. Comparatively, it may be that you ‘fell into’ the construction industry and though something you have enjoyed, you now wish to work in an entirely different field with no relation to construction whatsoever. 

Knowing your ‘why’ gives you a better sense of direction and can guide your search for the next best role for you. It will also help you to decide if a different career is even necessary as identifying your current dissatisfactions may highlight that you are looking for changes within your current role rather than a new role entirely. This may then lead to discussions with your manager that brings about the change that you were looking for. 

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Transferable Skills in Construction

Transferable skills are skills gained from one job or industry that can be applied to a range of different jobs or industries. Due to the varied nature of working in construction, there are a number of valuable transferable skills that you are likely to have gained. 

Transferable skills that many construction workers possess include:

  • Good time management 
  • Leadership
  • Research and analysis
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Organisational skills
  • Strong communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer service
  • Critical thinking

A career in construction is likely to have taught you a range of soft skills and hard skills. Hard skills are useful should you decide to stay within the sector but in a different role, whilst soft skills might be more easily transferable. Don’t underestimate the value of the skills that you have gained, hard or soft, as they can make you a valuable asset in many different roles and industries. As such, when applying for new positions be sure to highlight your transferable skills in your CV or cover letter. Not only does this show you’ve done thorough research on the new role, it can help to pacify concerns a prospective employer may have about your suitability. For example, if you chose to pursue a career in marketing after a career in construction, highlighting your strong communication skills and time management skills would be advantageous. 

The list above is not exhaustive and you may have gained many other transferable skills. Once you have an idea of what role you would like to pursue next, you can look into whether your current skillset is suitable for the role. You may be surprised by the transferability of some of your skills. However, if you do spot a gap between your skillset and those needed for a new role, you are now in the perfect position to bridge that gap with further study or training. 

Alternative Jobs for Construction Workers

As mentioned above, it is important to know your ‘why.’ Being able to recognise why you want to switch careers or what you hope to gain from the change, will put you in the right direction to find opportunities that align with your goals. Choosing the right career can feel like a momentous decision and so it is important to take the time to consider it carefully. 

The average UK worker spends 252 days a year at work. This equates to approximately 69% of their year spent working. Whilst it’s not necessarily surprising to hear that we spend the majority of our time at work, it does reiterate the importance of choosing a career that, whilst supporting you financially, is also fulfilling, rewarding and a positive impact on your wellbeing.

Below you will find examples of potential alternative careers for construction workers. This list is by no means all-encompassing, however it highlights the variety of career options available to those with a background in construction. 

Project Management drop down menu

Project management gives you the chance to have a more hands off approach. Project managers coordinate all facets of the construction process and whilst they are heavily involved in the project itself, they tend to be less involved in the manual handling, working from field offices on the project site. It is also important to note that project management is not confined to the construction industry. If you already have experience of managing projects this skill can be transferred to other industries such as tech or insurance. You may need some additional training to gain more knowledge about the specific field, however the core aspects of project management are similar across sectors. 

Teaching drop down menu

Teaching is one of the best ways to use your extensive experience whilst providing hands-on learning for the next generation of construction workers. Teaching can be a rewarding career and provides the chance to share your knowledge and teach students the skills they need to succeed. There are government funded programmes which enable you to earn whilst training to become a qualified Further Education (FE) teacher. The government is eager to increase the number of those teaching in construction to support the growth required in the UK and so construction teachers are in high demand.

Estimator/Quantity Surveyor drop down menu

Estimators and quantity surveyors have similar roles that draw on similar experience. Estimators calculate the cost of a construction project, carefully considering the cost of labour, material and equipment requirements. Quantity surveyors estimate and control the costs for large construction projects. They ensure that structures meet all necessary legal and quality requirements. Whereas estimators tend to be involved primarily in the beginning stages of a construction project, quantity surveyors are involved in every stage of the project. Whilst there are notable differences between both roles, a background in construction is a valuable asset for both. Further training/qualifications may be required to pursue a career as a quantity surveyor, however with the right experience you may be able to directly apply to become an estimator. 

Architectural Technician drop down menu

Architectural technicians provide technical guidance that helps bring new structures and designs to life. They liaise with construction teams and designers/clients, working closely with architects to develop building models ahead of construction. A role as an architectural technician also has great career progression opportunities and you could progress to become an architectural technologist, a building modelling information (BIM) technician or through supplemental study, a fully qualified architect. 

Site Inspector drop down menu

A site inspector monitors the work carried out on construction sites to ensure that all safety and quality standards are maintained. Site inspectors check that work is carried out safely and that all those on site, such as any staff or subcontractors, are adhering to the building plans and specifications. There are many different types of inspectors such as Property Inspectors, Plant Inspectors and Lifting Equipment Inspectors. In each case, extensive experience and knowledge of the rules and regulations that keep a worksite safe and compliant is a great advantage.

There are many different career paths available to those with a background in construction. Go Construct provides a range of resources for those looking for a career in construction and have extensive information on viable careers relating to construction. Regardless of whether you wish to stay within the construction industry or want to try something new, this is a good place to start for inspiration on your next career move. 

The thought of changing careers can be intimidating and it can be tempting to stay where you are in favour of the ‘devil you know.’ However, a background in construction provides you with strong transferable skills that can help you to thrive in a wide range of industries. Taking the time to consider why you want to change careers and what new adventures you hope to experience will help the process feel less monumental and a new, fulfilling career more attainable. 

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