r/ConstructionUK

So I am currently working as an assistant qs for a subcontractor, I dislike the job and have been offered a role working on the ground by the site manager on one of my projects, for one of his gangs. (I have previous site experience).

I want to take the offer, but the problem is if i leave my current employer, to work for the site managers gangs I am afraid I may not be allowed back onto that site as my current employer could have have an input on whether im allowed on the site or not, as they are currently running as pc. And they may have to approve me going onto the site as this is something my contracts manager occasionaly does.

This would leave me without a job as i would've quit my qsing one just not to be allowed on site.

Do you think that I would be able to transition to the ground without any problems?

What lingo do I need to understand

Specific parts of the site what are they called
Names off material

Day in the life give me a full 1 day on a residential building site break down

Hopefully I’m on basic duty just moving unimportant stuff around if they want me delivering bricks through partly built house that’s going to end badly

What public liability insurance do you recommend

General advise also appreciated

Tar

Trying to get on the Chestergate site in Stockport, I have my Slinger Ticket (red card) and whilst it is a long shot considering they're dealing with RC, knowing I can see the site out of my window, I'm wanting to roll the dice on being a flyer who's within arms length of the site.

Upside for me is obviously (basically) no commute, no commute costs either and hopefully getting my blue card as soon as possible. Upside for them is hopefully the same, having a motivated and eager slinger who needs the opportunity.

I'm seeing a lot of social media posts about construction and getting into it. And it seems like people are getting drawn into it because of the reasons why people get drawn into tech?

I have the feeling that construction will be the new tech/IT. Meaning that everyone will attempt to jump on the bandwagon.

I am talking about the jobs such as Project/construction Management, QS , Surveying etc

I’m a young, healthy, native English male and I’ve been unemployed for 5 months due to my previous company having financial difficulties. I have 9 years of experience in tech but I’ve recently got my cscs green card as I need money urgently. Ive contacted construction agencies but they’ve said things are quiet. what would be your recommendation for finding temp work or cash in hand work? just show up to a local site and ask if they need someone for a bit? thanks

I'm in the process of getting my cscs green card and I was pretty easily able to find the CITB test and app to prepare for it, however the Level 1 qualification / alternatives really confuse me because there are so many different centres doing it and they all cost £100+.

I have now seen that CITB themselves do the alternative health & safety awareness course for £99, which is the most trustworthy option but quite costly.

Are there any other courses, preferably online, that are legit and will allow me to get the qualification for less than £99, or are they all around that same price? Afaik there isn't a free way to get it either?

This would make £23.50 + £99 + £36 = £158.50 for the total cost of getting a green card.

Was that the total for everyone else, in which case I am fine paying for, or am i missing something?

Thanks

Hi all,

I’ve recently accepted a position as a Trainee Timber Frame Installer and I’ll be starting at the start of 2027

I’ve been looking into the trade and there doesn’t seem to be nearly as much information online compared to bricklaying, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, etc.

I had a few questions for people already working in timber frame or any tradesman that has knowledge about the trade.

What does the career progression typically look like after completing the apprenticeship/NVQ?
What are realistic earnings after a few years in the trade?
How much can experienced timber frame installers/erectors actually earn?
Is most of the work site-based housebuilding or are there opportunities in commercial projects too?
How transferable are the skills into joinery, roofing, site management.
Is demand for timber frame increasing in the UK or is it still fairly niche?
Why do we hear so little about this trade compared with other construction trades?

Any advice from current or former timber frame installers would be appreciated. I’m trying to learn as much as possible about the trade and what the future opportunities look like.

Thanks 😊

Hi everyone, looking for some honest industry advice.

I’m currently hitting a wall with applications and could use some insight. My background is a bit of a hybrid, I have a Bachelor’s in Architecture, but I’ve spent a few years working on-site as a steelfixer, a general contractor, and most recently as an Assistant Site Manager for a year.

I’ve moved away from the design office because I feel the best when it comes to the daily problem-solving and pace of site work. I’ve worked on complex projects like a 20-flat conversion of a Grade II listed building, where I was handling RFIs, managing sub-contractors, and assisting with project schedules. I have a valid white CSCS card.

The issue I’m facing is that my CV feels "too design-focused" due to my degree and some freelance work, and I think it’s making hiring managers think I’m just a designer looking for a gap-fill role. I want to be on-site, not at a desk.

My goal is to go back to being a ASM and then progress into being a PM eventually.

Any form of advice will be very much appreciated thank you guys.