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Job holders in this unit group undertake a variety of tasks in the construction, alteration, maintenance and repair of buildings, steeples, industrial chimneys and other tall structures, and of underwater structures.

Main tasks

  • Checks and puts on diving suit and equipment and descends underwater to carry out construction, maintenance and repair tasks on sites such as oil rigs, harbours, bridges etc.
  • Erects and repairs fencing.
  • Maintains and repairs steeples, industrial chimneys and other high structures, and installs and replaces lightning conductors.
  • Installs plumbing fixtures, woodwork structures and fittings, and sets glass in frames.
  • Pours and levels concrete, prepares surfaces for painting and plastering, and mixes and applies plaster and paint.
  • Lays bricks, tiles and building blocks to construct, repair and decorate buildings.
  • Selects, measures and cuts steel bars, rods and wire to required lengths, positions and fixes reinforcements into position and tensions as required using hydraulic jacks.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£38,169.67

Average earnings

£25,393.67

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 12%
Level 1 14%
Level 2 21%
Level 3 31%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 8%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 11%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 3%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.