A survey has revealed what the trades like the most – and least – about their jobs.
Carried out by CHAS, third party accreditation experts, the research shows that 70 per cent of those working in construction would recommend it as a career, with variety being one of the most appealing parts of the job.
Other positive factors about working in construction include the satisfaction in seeing a completed job, working with new technology and the opportunity to leave a legacy. Only 11 per cent wouldn’t recommend a career in construction with 19 per cent being unsure about whether they would or wouldn’t.
Meeting new people, getting a tan and working outdoors were also listed as positive points about working in the construction industry.
The weather was also the most common cause of complaint for contractors with cold, wet and wintry weather frequently listed as one of the least appealing aspects of the work.
Frustration that Health & Safety rules are still ignored by some and a lack of respect among different trades were also listed as grievances.
Several respondees highlighted volume of paperwork and bureaucracy as frustrating features of working in the construction industry, though this is an area where there is thankfully some good news. The introduction in 2019 of the Common Assessment Standard (CAS), a single standardised prequalification system for the construction industry, is on track to dramatically reduce administration work for contractors.
Ian McKinnon, CHAS MD commented: “We were really pleased to hear that so many of the respondees would recommend a career in the construction industry but we wholeheartedly understand people’s frustration with excessive bureaucracy and paper work.
“That’s why the brand new Common Assessment Standard, has been so widely welcomed and we agree with the sentiment of those surveyed that it couldn’t have come soon enough.”
“That’s why as the first recognised assessment body to certify companies against the Common Assessment Standard, CHAS has been leading the way in the rollout of the Common Assessment Standard, and we are delighted that 31of the largest construction employers are already on board with the scheme and a huge number of contractors are getting ahead of the competition and already applying for assessment under the new scheme.
“As the Common Assessment Standard becomes the industry standard we are confident that there will be less paperwork for contractors to complain about in the future.”
