Common construction myths - mythbusters

The UK construction industry is the safest in Europe. Everybody has a role to play in taking responsibility for health and safety.

Everybody’s health and safety is the most important priority at all times. Noise, dust, dirt and dangerous materials are all carefully controlled by safe working systems, safety signs and risk assessment.

Most jobs in construction will require health and safety training. For example, anyone going onto a 'live' construction site must go through a health and safety induction including visitors.

There is a wide variety of careers in construction which can involve working in a whole range of different locations and workplaces including a ‘live’ construction site, an office, a workshop or working from home.

There are hundreds of careers in Construction & the Built Environment involving design, management and engineering that don’t involve getting your hands dirty.

Many construction careers are focused on green technologies and sustainability, making sure the environment is protected during the construction process.

Modern buildings can have a positive impact on the communities that use them. For example, a new housing estate might feature a community playground gym that all housing estate residents can use.

Energy use, use of harmful materials, ecology, pollution, waste management and water management are just some of the considerations that go into the design of a new building. For example, use of solar panels to reduce energy bills or a bridge across a newly constructed motorway to allow wildlife such as hedgehogs and badgers to cross safely.

Over 320,000 women work in construction in the UK.

Females working in construction are employed in lots of interesting and varied roles including civil engineers (12% of all civil engineers) and architects (18% of all architects). 

92% of all females in the construction industry work in professional careers for example, architects, civil engineers and quantity surveyors.

We are no longer a dinosaur industry! Modern construction sites encourage everybody to behave respectfully and treat everyone fairly. If anybody acts in a way that is not appropriate, for example, wolf-whistling, many construction companies will deal with this seriously. 

Public and private construction contracts can be worth billions of pounds. There’s nothing cowboy about that!

Smaller responsible companies will register with federations and associations such as checkatrade.com, Federation of Master Builders, National Federation of Builders that have strict membership criteria and assess the quality of the work of their members.

There are lots of well-paid career opportunities for successful people who are educated to degree level in the construction industry. Once you have your degree, many employers have a recognised development graduate programme.

Many construction employers sponsor undergraduates whilst they are gaining a degree, so you can earn and learn!

Managing a multi-million pound construction project or a construction business requires high levels of skill and ability.

Construction projects make a positive contribution to our communities and the way in which we live, whether that’s a new hospital, school, road or bridge.

The ‘Considerate Constructors’ Scheme’ ensures that construction companies working in communities have a commitment to the local residents. For example, allowing local residents to visit the construction site or renovating a local community garden.

Many construction companies employ ‘Community Liaison’ staff tasked with addressing the concerns of the community both before and during the construction process of a construction project.

Disruption to the local community is considered by planning officers at the local Council before planning permission is granted for a project.

Modern construction develops and uses some of the latest technology including Building Information Modelling (BIM), Computer Aided Design (CAD) and even nanotechnology. 

New building methods and materials are constantly developing; although traditional methods of building (heritage skills) are essential to maintain older maybe listed buildings. These heritage skills are very specialist and require a great deal of training. 

Even old and historic buildings are expected to meet new low carbon and waste reduction targets. So it’s a big job to maintain the aesthetics of a building but ensure they meet modern standards! 

Society benefits from construction because it builds infrastructure to: supply clean water, waste management, flood defence systems and improved transport systems. 

The construction industry provides us all with places to live, work, and enjoy leisure activities. 

Many construction managers and other construction professionals started their careers as apprentices.

Apprenticeships can be a route into Higher Education or University.

You can study Higher Apprenticeships or Degree Apprenticeships. Some companies may even pay the tuition fees! 

Apprenticeships are a great way to start in the industry if you want to earn while you learn.