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Some information on the role and responsibilities of a quantity surveyor

The construction sector had a rough patch for the past few years but now things are changing and the construction industry is more strong, reliable and versatile than ever before. There are many jobs available in the construction sector since new projects are being developed and introduced on a regular basis. Furthermore, the diversification and versatility of the construction industry provides more job roles and opportunities than any other sector. Such a job is that of a quantity surveyor. Quantity surveyors are primarily responsible for the budgeting and costing of any building project. This includes the costing of the entire project from the initial phase to the completion of the whole project. The jobs related to surveying for construction have different and variant function but most of the times they are focused on providing the clients more value for their money; while at the same time, complying with and adhering to the strict rules and regulations prevalent in the construction industry. The responsibilities of the quantity surveyor extend beyond the regular office work and it is a demanding job, as there are plenty of site visits, meetings with different professionals and clients, along with coordination with the project manager. The quantity surveyor is a good and important role and requires more attention and thinking capabilities to complete the project successfully, as compared to other jobs in the construction sector. This article provides some information on the job responsibilities and role of a quantity surveyor.

Read the complete article to learn more about the job function and responsibilities of a quantity surveyor in the construction sector!

Educational requirements

A quantity surveyor must hold an appropriate qualification, either a relevant university degree or a professional accreditation from the Royal Institute for Chartered Surveyors. Relevant university courses include those in surveying, construction and civil and structural engineering. The RICS website hosts a list of university courses which applicants can choose from to begin their path towards a career in quantity surveying. Each undergraduate course takes from three to four years of full time study to complete.

Graduates of degrees outside the RICS’ approved list have the option of taking a postgraduate conversion course to transfer their existing qualifications into the construction industry. Postgraduate conversion courses normally take a year of full time study to complete.

Skills required

Becoming a surveyor is about more than having the relevant academic experience. Employers will expect applicants to be excellent communicators and possess impressive numeracy skills to handle the financial and mathematical demands of the role. Given the demands of the construction world and its frequent challenges, you should demonstrate innovative approaches to problem solving and an ability to negotiate across the various levels of any construction environment.

Obviously, a passion for the construction trade and knowledge of the wider industry are qualities which should make employers take notice – prospective quantity surveyors can keep themselves appraised of industry developments through various trade publications.

The complete article can be accessed here:

http://www.careersinconstruction.com/article/the-role-of-a-quantity-surveyor/

These handy tips will ensure that the forklift is being operated safely

Safety is of prime importance during any sort of activity or work. Accidents happen on a daily basis all across the globe, primarily due to the negligence of safety procedures by us in order to work or perform any sort of activity. Operating any type of machinery requires some standard and safety procedures which must be complied with at all times, regardless how the situation is. Machinery of any kind can be very dangerous if safety procedures are not followed; be it driving a car or riding a motorcycle; be it operating a crane or a forklift; safety is of utmost importance and must not be overlooked under any circumstances. This article provides some basic safety tips for the safe operation of forklifts. Forklifts are a very important piece of equipment in any sort of industry and plant. They are used to move heavy things around with ease and every type of industry has a bunch of forklifts to help things move around. Safety of working personnel operating the forklifts is very important and this article provides some basic tips which will ensure the safety of operators. Although these tips are basic, they will still help and can provide a good, basic yet solid starting point for workplace safety of workers and operators.

Read the complete article to learn some excellent safety tips for operating forklifts safely!

Operators must be qualified

Operating forklifts should only be done by individuals who have been trained properly and contain a license to operate the equipment.

Appropriate clothing must be worn

• It needs to be ensured that operators wear the appropriate safety work wear; usually consisting of a hard hat, safety shoes and hi-visibility jackets.
• The work wear must be reasonably fitted as any loose clothing can get caught on machinery.
• Don’t operate/hold any of the controls when your hands have grease on them; it may cause them to slide off and cause an accident.

Examine Equipment before use

• Operators should do a routine check of the equipment before driving them. Some things you should check for any faults are brakes, steering, controls, warning devices, mast and tyres.
• If there are any noted damages or problems management should be notified and the forklift should not be operated if it needs to be repaired.
• Always consider the ‘journey’s end’ of a load before picking it up. A convenient position of a load from pick up may not be convenient for stacking.

Operate at a safe speed

• Never proceed past the speed limit.
• Take corners and any turns slowly to minimize risk of tipping.
• Make any changes in direction or any stops gradually and slowly.

Make sure you have clear visibility

• Operate the forklift in reverse when it improves visibility; except when moving up ramps.
• It is important to make sure you can see the racking clearly in which you are positioning your load.
• If visibility is poor do not continue driving; in some circumstances you may need a lookout helper to assist you.

Link to the original article:

http://www.aalhysterforklifts.com.au/index.php/about/blog-post/16_simple_tips_for_operating_a_forklift_safely

If you want a career in the construction or building industry, you can follow these tips

The construction industry has become one of the most enjoyable, entertaining and popular industries globally. New projects are being developed on a regular basis and the opportunities and areas to grow and prosper are endless. It does not matter if you have a degree in the construction sector or not, you can easily become a part of this amazing sector. The construction or building industry is a very broad one and people from many different fields, technologies and can become a part of this industry, depending upon their interests and passion.

People from different backgrounds and fields ranging from civil engineering and electrical engineering to draftsmen or painters, project planners and project managers, architects and designers, everyone can start a career in the construction industry. Indeed, there are other fields too but none of the fields provide as much versatility as the construction and building industry. This article provides some excellent tips which can be very useful if you aspire to join the construction sector and build your career in the sector. If you want to join it, first of all, you need to research which area of construction and property you want to join and what is your motivation behind that. There are multiple jobs available and you need to set your mind where you want to go, with a positive mindset that you will enjoy working in this particular industry. This article provides some effective tips which will help you start your career in the construction sector.

Read the complete article to learn these tips to join the construction industry!

Volunteering is a good way to gain experience

A lot of property and construction practices welcome work experience students, so there is scope to build your skills while studying.

“We strongly encourage our students to work or volunteer in practice alongside their studies. It’s amazing what you pick up in an office or studio environment if you are willing to push yourself,” says Nicki Schiessel Harvey, senior lecturer in business and professional skills at Birmingham City University.

Go to as many events as possible, join online forums on LinkedIn and talk to people in the industry to make potential contacts. “You stand a better chance of getting a foot in the door if you offer to buy someone a coffee and ask them about their job, rather than diving straight in with a request for experience,” adds Schiessel Harvey.

Being successful in construction relies on having a good reputation

If you work in construction, you need to build up a reliable reputation. “Deliver when you say you will deliver – and if you know a deadline is not achievable raise the issue there and then. A professional who sticks by their word becomes a successful professional,” advises Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ internal accounts team manager, Richard Maclean.

An ability to work with different professions is vital in this industry

Careers in property and construction often require you to work in multidisciplinary teams. “For example, it’s essential a development surveyor is an excellent communicator who can work with large teams,” says Papacharalampos. “It’s usually a long process to get planning to enable the construction of the development, so patience and an ability to work with or manage a team is critical.”

So for entry-level job hunters, it’s important to show proven communication skills alongside your work experience to show you could work well in multi-disciplinary groups.

Author: Brogan Kay-Jessop

Link to the original article:

https://www.theguardian.com/careers/careers-blog/start-career-property-construction-industry

How can you secure your first construction job?

So, you have completed your degree from a construction school and now, after graduating, most probably you are trying to secure a job in the construction sector. The construction industry has seen some recession in the past and is now getting better after some time. The industry is growing and there are multiple opportunities available to people from every discipline. So, if you already have a degree in construction, your chances are bright. However, this does not mean that finding a job, even in this sector is an easy task. You need to properly plan and layout a strategy in order to secure your first job in this industry. The construction industry is currently looking for graduates that are looking to stay with them for a long time and actually build their career in the construction sector. If you have strong construction skills, it is a very important trait but there are other things too that you need to look for. You need to be smart, proactive and must possess excellent communication skills. You need to develop a professional resume and then apply to multiple opportunities as they come your way. Of course, applying alone will not help you much and there are some other things that you need to do too which are explained in this article. These handy tips will definitely help you and you will be able to secure a job in the construction sector.

Read the complete article to learn more how can you land a job in the construction sector!

Work with a Construction Recruiter

Keep in mind that when you apply for a job, you are competing with many other applicants, the majority of whom might have more experience and stronger construction skills. This means that your application is going to get buried in a pile of papers. In other words, you are on your own. How about partnering with a construction recruiter who is able to advertise your capabilities the way you would like them to be marketed? Working with a construction staffing firm allows you to be introduced to firms that look specifically for candidates like you. In addition, a construction recruiter knows of local and regional vacancies that you can’t locate on your own. Recruiters are a great resource to help you get your first construction job.

Be Prepared

As said before, when you’re trying to get your first construction job, it is not enough to just apply for a position. You must be prepared for it. From building a resume that describes your capabilities, to doing your homework and finding as much as you can about the construction firm you want to work for, to having a social media presence that shows your interest for the company you wish to be part of, you need to be prepared. Prove that you really want to land the opportunity by showing the hiring manager how eager you are to get the job. This will demonstrate that you are going to be an asset for their firm and that you know what to do to build your professional background.

Build a Strong Network

You might be at the early steps of your construction career, but you must always remember that networking is an important factor in landing a job. Getting together with other construction folks who have more experience and a longer presence in the construction industry opens new doors and allows you to explore different opportunities.

Author: Anthony Delionado

Link to the original post:

http://www.tradesource.com/2016/08/09/getting-your-first-construction-job/

Here is how can you plan and layout a good, solid networking foundation

Every good, solid structure needs a good, strong and robust foundation. This definition is not only valid in terms of construction, but, rather it is applicable to all different types of steps that you take and decisions you make in your life. If you want to build a good, strong career in the construction sector, one of the most basic and important things that you require is a reliable and strong construction network. Networking is very important in any type of filed or career and is not only limited to the construction sector. It does not matter which part of your career are you on; entry level, mid-level, professional level or executive level, you need to be constantly growing and building your personal and professional network. Indeed, if you are in the construction sector, you need to have good, strong construction skills along with a good strategy and approach towards your career. If you want to boost your career, you need to invest some time and effort into building connections and continuously growing your network. This article is focused on preparing you to obtain all such necessary steps that you need to take in order to build a good and strong network. You need to get social and meet experts in order to start growing your professional network.

Read the complete article to learn more about building a strong network in the construction sector!

Connect with the Networkers

As you ask yourself what is the best way to grow a strong construction network, remember to get in touch with the experts who have in place strong relationships with key players in the industry. Reach out to a construction recruiter and let them introduce your construction skills to a previously unknown market. Because they deal with industry professionals on a daily basis, they have the expertise and knowledge to find you the contacts you need to boost your construction career. They are going to put you in front of the right people and opportunities.

Evaluate Your Contacts

Trying to network with everyone in your field is simply impossible. Instead, you must filter through your contacts to see who is worth establishing a relationship with in order to promote your construction career. As you anticipate people are going to help you, you need to think through how you are able to help them. Make sure to present yourself as a problem solver, and not just another contact in their address book. Connect with professionals who need construction skills and traits like yours. In addition, assess your contacts by taking a look back at people from your past. Was there someone in high school or college who now has an extensive network that is beneficial to you?

Learn and Connect

A great way to expand your network of contacts while building your construction skills is to join education and vocational training programs. Take advantage of the fact that industry players and construction recruiters visit these programs to find the right professionals for their needs. Enroll in local apprentice programs and other learning programs that help you sharpen and improve your construction skills. This way you add value to your construction skills. You also are going to meet people who have connections in the local market and who are able to help you build a strong construction network.

Author: Todd Bush

Link to the original post:

http://www.tradesource.com/2016/06/14/laying-a-strong-networking-foundation/

Some information on forklifts

Forklifts are an important, integral and natural part of material handling everywhere in the industry. It is impossible to operate smoothly in the production, construction or any other similar sort of industry. It is so important and inseparable piece of equipment that it seems that forklifts have been around for a very long time. However, it is quite surprising to note that it is not an old invention but rather, it is quite a recent invention. There are some salient features of forklifts which set them apart from other equipment. Some equipment is so useful that they become a necessity and forklifts are such an invention.

History of transportation and lifting equipment

Around a century ago, rail transport was the most popular, efficient and effective mode of transporting and handling shipment on the land. Railway still is an important mode of transportation and handles most of the cargo inland. The railway stations constructed for this purpose were a natural hub and center for loading and unloading shipment. They were also used for baggage handling, redistribution of luggage, barrels and sacks. The need was felt and then came the four wheel wagons which were towed manually by human hands. In the year 1906, an official at the Pennsylvania Railroad got an excellent and amazing idea of adding battery power to operate such wagons. As time passed, there was a powered platform truck which became a necessity to handle material movement, which made the movement easier, quicker, efficient and convenient. Still, the forklift was not in the picture and was introduced much later. This article provides some good information and the story of forklifts.

Read the complete article to learn more about the history of forklifts!

From luxury to necessity

By now the forklift truck was a well-known tool for material handling, yet wasn’t very common. A forklift truck was still considered a luxury and consequently, they were still quite rare. It would take a war to change that…

During WWII the need for storing, handling and shipping military goods and supplies reached previously unseen levels. An immense number of goods had to be handled in a short time. The solution was to palletize goods – and use forklift trucks. Accordingly, a true mass production of forklift trucks was needed to meet the demand.

When the war was over, the forklift truck had proven to be not a luxury, but rather a fundamental tool for rational material handling – a position it keeps still today.

Do you have any thoughts on this post? Feel free to leave a comment, or hit the button below to get blog updates delivered straight to your inbox!

Author: Tobias W. Laxa

Link to the complete article:

http://blog.unicarrierseurope.com/material-handling-blog/the-forklift-truck-a-long-story-in-short

Some big challenges in the construction industry and how to deal with them

The construction industry is rapidly changing now. It had been in the recession in the past but now things are changing and it has changed a lot by now. There are multiple opportunities in the sector as new projects and structures are being built every day, throughout the world. It does not matter which type of degree or technological background you are from; you can still pursue a career in the construction sector if you want. There are jobs available for engineers, planners, project managers, skilled workers, architects and many other different departments within the construction industry, making it one of the most versatile and big sectors in the world. Indeed, the construction sector is a very good area where you can work and build a career. As exciting and good as it is, the construction industry is also filled with challenges and you need to be prepared to face them successfully, otherwise you will not be able to gain success in it. This article provides information regarding some challenges in the construction industry and how can you cope with those challenges.

New tools and technologies are being introduced regularly in the construction industry and you must stay up to date if you want to stay in the game. You need to transform rapidly as the technology and environment changes and adapt to the changes, if you want to be successful in the construction industry. If you have a proper plan and strategy to follow, you will be able to overcome all the challenges that come your way on your path to success.

Read the complete article to learn more about the challenges in the construction industry!

Be Flexible

Everyone likes a full time and permanent job. It generates job security and confidence. We all understand it. The construction industry however, offers many great contract opportunities as well. Turning a blind eye to these positions and chasing only direct hire positions is a mistake. Be flexible and open about the employment options that you come across. Do not simply turn down opportunities without considering the value they add to your construction career. Reach out to a construction recruiter and take advantage of the opportunities they may have for you.

Be Smart

Landing a job is far from easy. You have to compete with and outmatch other candidates who are in the same race with you. How about getting your foot in the door before they do? How about getting your resume to top of the applications and in front of the hiring manager? How about gaining access to a previously hidden market that very few have access to? If you like any of these ideas, then take action and reach out to a construction recruiter. They have strong, established relationships with clients and have the leverage to promote your construction skills, while matching you with the right opportunity.

Be Stable

You know it because you are in the industry. Every project needs thorough planning in order to be successful. The same is true when it comes down to meeting construction industry challenges. If you do not have a plan, then do not expect much.

Author: Peter DeLuca

Link to the complete article:

http://www.tradesource.com/2016/05/31/the-challenges-of-the-construction-industry/

Some ideas to improve yourself while working in the construction sector

The construction industry is an ever green and growing field. It is also the field where the employees are happier as compared to other sectors. In fact, a recent survey conducted by TINY, the employees working in the construction sector are the happiest among all. If you are already working in the construction industry for some time, you must also have realised the importance of this particular sector and also the fact that you need to constantly improve and strengthen yourself in this field. Construction is already a tough field and in order to boost and improve your career, you need to put some effort, like all other fields. The burning questions for you may be the definition of professional success, the ways in which you can obtain more opportunities and chances to grow and how can you devise a proper strategy to ensure your success in the construction industry. Indeed, these questions are difficult to address but you can handle and obtain the answers to these questions. This article is focused on helping you design a proper strategy that will lead to your success in the construction industry and will set up a foundation for a prosperous career. The first step to start boosting your construction career is to contact different professionals in the construction industry, who have plenty of experience in the field. You can contact a construction staffing organization and discuss with them the details regarding your opportunities in the construction industry. They will help you and ensure that you select a track which will provide you success.

Read the complete article to learn how can you enhance and strengthen your career in the construction sector!

Build a Specialty

It’s simple. Deep knowledge of your field increases the number of qualified opportunities that come your way, and knowledge strengthens your efforts to boost your construction career. With that said, it is important that you become a master in your field and you keep up with changes that take place in your space. Be aware of breakthroughs and adapt quickly to new methods and tools through continued education. Keep in mind that your construction skills must be sharp at all times to keep you competitive and current within your field. Consult with your construction recruiter about building a specialty that gives you the competitive edge.

Be Flexible

As you are thinking of ways to boost your construction career, keep in mind that having strong feelings about specific types of employment is not one of them. Being open to both temporary and permanent positions allows you to work on multifaceted projects, acquire diverse construction skills and increase the professional value that you bring to the table. Seek advice from your construction recruiter on locating opportunities that maximize your career potential and don’t hesitate to accept such offers.

Build a Strong Network

Although it sounds obvious, professionals often neglect the fact that a strong and healthy network of contacts is a major factor that helps you boost your construction career. With that said, take advantage of every project you work on to meet and connect with other folks in the field. Every connection you make provides a new opportunity in your career; never stop connecting with professionals, regardless of your employment status.

Author: Jessica Deleault

Link to the original post:

http://www.tradesource.com/2015/12/01/what-you-need-to-do-to-enhance-your-construction-career/

Some information about this area of construction

The role of a construction manager in the industry includes the control and co-ordination activities on the site to ensure that all the construction related activities pertaining to the project at hand are completed within the deadlines and more importantly, within the budget allocated for specific activities of the project. They are the ones behind the complete planning and execution of the project. Construction managers are also responsible for checking and monitoring the performance and activities of all the personnel involved in the construction, ensuring that they are working with dedication and devotion to produce excellent quality of work, at the same time, following and adhering strictly to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) defined for various activities. Construction Managers also have to consider all the material, logistics, sustainable development, health and safety of the personnel and the general public.

Usually, construction managers are involved in the project from the very first day and, when the project kicks off and then they are involved throughout the construction phase and finally hand over the project to the facilities manager after the completion of the project. The position of a construction manager is very important as he or she oversees the complete project and they are in constant contact with a variety of professionals within the duration of the project. They are in co-ordination with project managers, commercial managers, project planners and quantity surveyors to complete the project smoothly and without any hassles and problems. This article provides some information on the job responsibilities of a construction manager and the details regarding the job are explained.

Read the complete article to learn more about construction management and the role of a construction manager!

Which areas of construction management can graduate specialize in?

Many construction managers are generalists and good employers will ensure you work on a range of projects to gain a broad level of experience in different technical areas. However, over time it is possible to specialize in an aspect of construction such as mechanical and electrical, structural or sub-structural work.

The importance of safety in site management careers

Safety rules on site are set and implemented by construction managers and take into account the unique aspects of the project as well as industry-wide standards. There has been a big move over the past few years to ensure even higher standards of safety. It’s a huge part of the construction management job and one of the first things graduates on training schemes will learn about. It’s easy for job applicants to overlook health and safety but showing an awareness of the issue in interviews and applications will be looked on very favourably.

Sustainable development in construction

Sustainability is a key concern for construction managers. They have a role in advising the client and design team on best practice. They have to be aware of sustainable practices when selecting the best materials to use. In their quality control work they have to ensure that sustainable systems work effectively. They also ensure that workers operate in the most environmentally friendly ways on site.

Skills required by graduate recruiters

Although you won’t be expected to know a great deal of technical knowledge when you start, you should be able to pick things up quickly. You should also have:

• excellent organizational skills
• strong communication skills so that you can liaise with all parties on site
• great problem-solving skills to resolve issues on site quickly
• Highs and lows of life as a graduate site manager

Link to the complete article:

https://targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors/construction-and-building-services/283935-construction-management-construction-area-of-work