Who’s who in construction: the types of employer graduates can work for

Construction organisations come in all shapes and sizes, and you need to choose an employer that’s right for you. Typical employers include the following:

• Consultants are involved with a project right from the beginning. They develop the design with clients and architects, work out practical issues, set a time frame and cost estimate, then oversee the development and resolve any issues that arise. Consultants tend to divide their time between the main office and the construction site.
• Contractors actually build the project. They are responsible for the construction process once the plans have been made and the materials are in place. Most contractors are based on the construction site, often in temporary offices.
• International construction groups are large corporations, which usually work on all aspects of the design and build process, incorporating both contracting and consulting.
• Local authorities employ all sorts of construction workers on projects in the local community.
• Subcontractors are contractors that work in one specific area. They are employed by contractors to do work requiring specialist skills.

Construction organisations have different areas of focus. Contractors and subcontractors often concentrate on one technique, such as high-rise structures or bridges. It’s also possible to specialise in one type of construction, such as residential, commercial or industrial buildings.