Kent labour market information
Built environment
Jobs and careers in the built environment go way beyond the work carried out on construction sites - there’s a huge variety of roles you may not have thought about. You could be involved in the planning, design, financing, regulation and organisation of a project before construction begins, or the maintenance, upgrades and safety checks after it’s been completed.
In Kent and Medway there are jobs in large international companies, local housebuilders and building conservation charities, or you could work for yourself. You’re just as likely to spend your day in an office as you are on site, and with lots of different pathways into this sector, there’s a wide range of possibilities.
20 jobs and careers in built environment
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BIM (building information modelling) manager carpenter solar panel installer
civil engineer environmental impact assessor drone pilot
3D visualiser labourer or groundworker building conservation officer
CAD technician building services engineer bricklayer electrician
geomatics surveyor heating and ventilation engineer IT support technician
architectural technician conveyancing adviser accounts assistant
land buyer hydrographic surveyor
Now and the future
Like most areas of work, advances in technology have changed the construction industry landscape over the last 20 years. While there’s an ongoing shortage of skilled tradespeople in Kent and Medway, professional and technical staff are also in high demand.
If you like the idea of using technical equipment or digital software in your career, you could consider getting involved in an area such as:
- building information modelling (BIM) and 3D virtual walkthroughs
- using drone technology, data and geomatics in site surveying and inspection
- offsite construction using robotic automated manufacturing systems.
The built environment industries have a huge part to play in reducing the sector’s impact on the environment and are committed to working in a more sustainable way. This includes:
- using more recycled materials
- improving energy efficiency and reducing waste
- developing modern methods of construction like prefabrication and modular building which are more resource efficient
- using building information modelling (BIM) software to create designs with sustainability in mind.
However, a lack of skilled workers in this sector can slow down progress and this is why young people are so vital, particularly for trades roles and construction management.
Spotlight on Kent and Medway
Kent and Medway has a strong built environment sector with employment well above the national average and even more people working for themselves.
There are so many exciting projects happening in our local area including several large house building and infrastructure projects such as the Ebbsfleet Garden City and Lower Thames Crossing which will be in development for years. This means lots of opportunities for new entrants who can bring fresh ideas and valuable skills.
Look out for learning and training opportunities at the Construction Academy at EKC Canterbury College, the Decarbonisation Hub at MidKent College (a state-of-the-art facility delivering training in retrofitting, renewable energy systems, and sustainable construction), and with other providers across the county.
In the South East, we’ll need just over 7,000 people each year to join the sector and work in jobs such as electrician, carpenter and joiner, plumber, surveyor, civil engineer, construction project manager and architect (source). Office-based professional and technical staff are as important as skilled trades.
Whether you want to work on bridges, tunnels, roads, houses, building renovation, commercial buildings or green space design, there will be jobs for the future.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to find links to some great local employers.
More information
- can work to deadlines
- has analytical skills
- works well in a team
- is creative
- pays attention to detail
- is good at problem solving.
Useful subjects
These subjects and qualifications could help you get into this sector:
maths | physics | English | design and technology | geography | art and design | law | computer science | chemistry | business studies | applied science | engineering
What about apprenticeships?
There’s a wide range of apprenticeships at all levels. Did you know the built environment industries have more intermediate apprenticeship career options than any other sector? You could apply for an apprenticeship at 16 and progress your career or keep studying and move into a higher or degree apprenticeship from age 18.
For vacancies in Kent and Medway and further information:
- Find an Apprenticeship
- Amazing Apprenticeships
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Vacancy Listing
- Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)
- Explore the Skills England apprenticeship maps for this sector
Your choices @
14-16
You’ll gain useful skills in GCSE maths, physics, chemistry, English, geography, engineering, and design and technology; computer science and arts subjects may also be useful for some careers.
Post 16
Five or more GCSEs at grade 4+ including English and maths | Working towards grade 4 GCSE English or maths |
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Post 18
- Degree.
- Other higher education qualification (such as HND).
- Higher or degree apprenticeship.
- Employment with or without further training.
An industry-approved degree or a higher or degree apprenticeship is needed for some professional and associate professional roles in this sector. Some careers, such as architect, chartered engineer and town planner, also require professional accreditation which is usually gained once you’re in your first employed position.
Gain skills and knowledge by building up experience. This could include volunteering, work shadowing, a work experience placement or traineeship, or paid employment.
Want to know more?
Kent and Medway built environment sector (video)
RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)
This is engineering
Electrical careers
Green Careers Hub
Technicians. We make the difference
