General Construction

General construction operatives are involved in a range of practical tasks on a construction site, working on projects from foundation to completion. This includes preparing the site ahead of building work taking place and carrying out manual work whilst a project is in progress.

Course length - Typically 2 years

Location - A mix of working on a construction site and attending the National Construction College in Glasgow in 2-week blocks (18 weeks of training delivered over 24 months). Travel expenses and accommodation provided.

College course content - 

• Drainage.
• Concrete.
• Levelling and setting out.
• Block paving.
• Kerbing.
• Brickwork.
• Excavation support.
• Working at height.
• Confined space operations.
• Small tools operation.
• Movement of plant.
• Manual handling.

Skills you will learn - 

• Mixing and pouring concrete to make foundations, beams or floors.
• Digging trenches for foundations.
• Laying pavements and resurfacing roads.
• Marking out the area for the site using string lines and putting up barriers and safety signs.
• Laying drainage pipes, pavements and manhole covers.
• Operating hand machinery such as drills, pumps and compressors.
• Operating machinery such as excavators and dumper trucks.

Career pathways - 

• As a general construction operative, you could complete qualifications and training to become a qualified tradesperson, such as a bricklayer, carpenter, plant operator or more. 
• With more experience, you could move into more senior roles, such as a site supervisor, team leader or construction manager.
• Alternatively, you could set yourself up as a self-employed contractor.