Quantity surveyors are concerned with calculating the costs of a building project before and during construction. They work for clients or building contractors on a wide range of jobs, including: new build developments refurbishment schemes building renovation building conservation. Quantity surveyors study plans drawn up by an architect or engineer and calculate the types and [...]
Plumbers install, service and repair hot and cold water supplies, heating systems and drainage networks. Their work plays an essential role in modern life, providing everything from clean drinking water to central heating. Plumbers can work on plumbing systems in domestic, industrial or commercial premises. Their key duties include: fitting and repairing hot and cold water systems, tanks, pipework, taps and valves fitting and servicing [...]
Plasterers apply different kinds of plaster to give a finish to internal walls, floors and ceilings. They also apply coatings to outside walls using sand and cement, pebble-dash and stone-effect materials. Plastering work can include everything from large commercial developments to small-scale domestic extensions, repairs and restoration. The two main types of plastering work are: solid plastering – applying wet finishes to internal walls, ceilings [...]
Painters and decorators work on all kinds of jobs, ranging from re-decorating houses to applying heavy-duty finishes to huge structures like the Forth Rail Bridge. On a domestic household job, painters and decorators use paint, varnishes and wallpaper to decorate rooms. They follow the client’s requests for colour, finishing texture and choice of wallpaper patterns. Their key tasks include: measuring surface areas to work out how much paint or [...]
Paint sprayers, sometimes known as finishers or coatings specialists, work in manufacturing or construction. Production line sprayers follow manufacturer’s instructions when applying finishes to products such as motor vehicles, aircraft frames, white goods (ovens, fridges and dishwashers), yellow goods (construction plant vehicles and machinery), furniture and other consumer items. Construction site sprayers apply protective coatings [...]
Mechanical engineering technicians, also known as mechanical fitters or installers, design, construct, operate and maintain plant and machinery, and the machinery’s mechanical components. Mechanical engineering technicians work in many sectors, for example: manufacturing – constructing engine and gear components; building and maintaining conveyor and packaging equipment; and servicing robotic machinery on a production line power [...]
Materials engineers are found in a diverse range of industries, working on the research and development of new materials to advance technologies; innovating and modifying materials to improve the performance and efficiency of existing products; and investigating the failure of products or structures. They work with all types of materials including plastics, metals, alloys, glass, [...]
Marine craftspeople work in various sectors, including: shipbuilding ship repair and conversion boat building, repair and restoration. Work ranges from building hulls and super-structures on sea-going vessels to installing the fixtures and fittings on a narrowboat. Depending on the job, different craft skills are used - carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding and painting, as well as traditional maritime crafts such as [...]
Land and property valuers estimate the market value of land, buildings and commercial property (real estate) for clients, with a view to maximising profit from sale or rental income. Their valuations are also used as a basis for property taxation and rating levels set by local authorities. Valuers are normally qualified surveyors who specialise in [...]
Kitchen and bathroom fitters assemble and install kitchens and bathroom suites in domestic and commercial premises. They fit cupboards, worktops, appliances, flooring and fittings during kitchen installations. In bathrooms they install baths, shower units, sinks, toilets and storage cabinets. The work of kitchen and bathroom fitters varies according to the job, but usually involves: measuring and marking out work [...]
