Career Guide: Finding Success in the Construction Industry
The construction industry is, and has been one of the top performing sectors in Singapore. According to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), construction demand this year could come in at a whopping $27 billion to $34 billion.
What most people are unaware about is that construction roles cover much more than inland operations. It also includes Offshore, Maritime, Petrochemical and even workplace safety and health. Examples of these activities include oil rig construction and repair, shipbuilding, and the oversight of petrochemical plants offshore.
Isn’t Construction Work Dirty?
Contrary to popular belief, working in this sector does not always mean having to brave dirty environments and work till your hands are full of calluses. Construction is a massive industry with diverse roles and workplaces, and you could find yourself switching between an office suit and worksite boots depending on the tasks at hand.
Some vocation examples include:
1. Safety Officer: A safety officer is able to work in multiple industries and monitors workplace activities to ensure that workers comply with company policies and government safety regulations. They are involved in drafting workplace risk assessment plans, conducting safety training courses and even holding site inspections.
2. Engineer: Engineers are in charge of designing, planning and coordinating the daily workflow of any one project.
3. Site Supervisor/Superintendent: The role of a site supervisor revolves around managing and instructing staff, setting goals, and seeing projects through to completion. Supervisors are required in all land and maritime construction and have to possess in depth knowledge about their particular industry
4. Surveyors: Surveying is the measurement and mapping of our surrounding environment using mathematics, specialised technology and equipment. Surveyors work closely with engineers, architects, geologists and site supervisors to ensure that structures are planned accurately, safely and fit well in the surrounding landscape.
Okay, So What Are My Educational Opportunities?
In June 2015, the government announced an injection of S$450 million over three years to raise productivity in the construction sector. The bulk of this has been invested in an enhanced Workforce Training and Upgrading Scheme (WTU) to support PMET employability in the built environment and construction industry.
Firms with local and foreign workforce and individual candidates who meet the qualifying criteria may apply for subsidised graduate, postgraduate and vocational training courses.
You can also have a look at our comprehensive list of courses on offer. These are BCA-approved and cover a range of specialities that include workplace safety and health, civil engineering, and building design.
The construction sector is most suited for individuals who enjoy tackling multiple challenges, and working with both their hands and minds. So what stopping you from (literally) leaving a physical mark in the world around you?
Browse more construction-related academic programmes now!
