The Fixer

Access floorers install raised floor systems using specialist tools and techniques. This could include any project that requires raised floorings – from houses to nightclubs, and airports to offices.

Also known as an Insulation Installer, this job role involves sorting the most efficient materials required for the buildings needs and liaising with construction managers to determine costs.

Cavity insulation installers fit insulation materials into buildings, such as damp proofing, loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. Their work helps buildings to retain their heat and be more energy efficient. The role involves checking a property’s suitability for cavity-wall insulation and recommending the best type to use. 

Ceiling fixers install suspended ceilings and hide and protect unsightly materials such as wiring, pipework, heating and air-conditioning systems. They play a key role in transforming residential, commercial and industrial projects, or may specialise in renovations or maintaining heritage buildings.

Damp causes serious problems to buildings and can be dangerous to people’s health. As a damp proofer, you would prevent damp entering into buildings from the ground, and through walls and cracks. You could be installing damp-proof products and protecting bricks and timber. You may also repair structural damage and will need an understanding of drainage and ventilation systems.

A drainage engineer is responsible for designing systems that move water or sewage from one place to another, as safely and efficiently as possible. This can involve visiting sites to gain an understanding of project requirements, as well as designing and overseeing the installation of these systems.

A draught proofer ensures buildings are properly ventilated whilst also retaining heat. By ensuring no energy is being wasted in a building, through leaks from windows or external doors, they help to maintain efficient energy use, which has a positive effect on the environment. 

Electrical distribution workers are responsible for the maintenance of power lines that connect buildings to the national grid. 

Electrical engineers design, develop and maintain electrical systems for buildings, transport systems and power distribution networks. They work in and across many industries, such as construction, transport, energy (including renewables), building services, and manufacturing. Electrical engineers need a good understanding of engineering science, and strong maths and computer skills.

Electrical project managers oversee the installation of electrical systems and supply of electricity to homes, businesses and infrastructure, such as roads or power stations.  

Energy managers ensure organisations meet their energy, carbon and water reduction responsibilities.

Environmental engineering focuses on protecting the environment by reducing waste and pollution. Environmental engineers optimise the use of natural resources, help to develop renewable energy resources and maximise the use of existing materials. They design technologies and processes that control pollution and clean up contamination.

A fire protection installer has an important role in ensuring buildings are insulated and structurally protected from fire risk. This can include the installation of protective frames, fire-resistant walls and ceilings, and applying fire resistant treatments, particularly on heritage buildings.

A gas service installer fits, maintains and repairs gas systems within old and new buildings. This can include central heating systems or gas appliances. 

A glazier is responsible for measuring, installing and repairing glass in houses, hotels, shops and offices. As a glazier, you’d need to choose appropriate glass for the job in hand, remove old and broken panes, and ensure glass is sealed to be watertight.

A rail systems engineer is responsible for providing insight and technical engineering expertise on railway projects and systems such as traction power, train and traffic signal controls, fare collection, rail vehicles and more.

Remediation specialists deal with the assessment, treatment and removal of contamination from soil and groundwater. They design and implement remedial action plans to clean up sites affected by fuel, pesticides and heavy metals amongst other substances, so that they are safe for the future.

Renewable energy analysts measure the efficiency of renewable energy sources and develop sustainable energy models for buildings. 

Roofing operatives work on the roofs of new buildings and also repair or re-roof older structures. This can involve using a range of different materials, such as slates, tiles or materials for flat roofs, as well as fitting skylights. 

Safety net riggers assemble, install, maintain and secure safety nets for a variety of construction projects. The safety net systems they provide offer fall protection for construction workers working at height. They ensure overall on-site safety and efficient build programmes by erecting safety netting to the correct standard.

Scaffolders erect and dismantle temporary metal scaffolding on structures and building sites, so that other people can work at height and carry out their jobs safely. Scaffolders may set up scaffolding around a structure, or inside a building undergoing construction, renovation or demolition.

Sealant applicators seal joints to ensure a building is airtight and waterproof. As a sealant applicator, you could be sealing door and window frames, building facades, or baths and sinks. You could also be carrying out structural bonding, such as glass to glass seals.

A self-employed contractor works for themselves, either sourcing and undertaking their own projects or finding work through an agency. As a self-employed contractor, you may work on your own or as part of a team with construction workers, you may even employ other people within your own company. It’s possible to become self-employed in many lines of work, whether you have a skilled trade, such as carpentry or painting and decorating, or can offer your services as a consultant engineer or architect.

Shopfitters transform the interiors of offices, shops, restaurants, bars and more. They create plans, then make and install fittings to enhance our experience of a space. As a shopfitter, you’ll be ripping out the old and refitting the new. You could be overseeing builds and working with a range of materials to bring an area to life.

Solar panel installers set up solar panels on roofs and structures on land, to convert solar power into renewable energy. Installers are also responsible for maintaining solar panels and ensuring the wiring systems safe and efficient. 

Sprayed concrete lining tunnel operatives line tunnels with concrete sprayed from purpose-built equipment. The use of sprayed concrete in tunnels, mines and other civil engineering structures is an important and integral part of successful, productive and safe ground support systems. 

Thermal insulation installers play a vital part in energy conservation. They specialise in insulating hot pipes, boilers and vessels to keep heat in or, in refrigeration and air conditioning installations, to keep heat out.

In the construction industry, sustainability specialists assess the carbon footprint of a project and suggest ways to reduce its environmental impact on the wider world. They help businesses save money and progress with developments, whilst keeping an awareness of the people and ecosystems, and complying with environmental legislation.