Construction is a broad and fast-evolving industry, with everyone from bricklayers, plumbers and electricians through to construction managers, designers, architects, building safety managers and sustainability advisors playing their part to see a project through from an idea to a completed building.

This means that the construction sector requires a broad range of experts with specific skills, knowledge and experiences to work together to complete the final structure. 

But there are also a range of core skills that are useful across all of these roles, that are important for those considering a career in the construction sector to develop. 

What skills do you need to work in construction?

While most professionals draw on a common foundation of building and construction skills, the emphasis on the types and importance of these skills differs between trade and management roles.  

Skilled trades may focus more on hands-on execution, craftsmanship, and deep expertise in a specific discipline such as carpentry or electrical installation, while management roles may require broader technical literacy across multiple trades, combined with leadership, planning, budgeting, and stakeholder management.

Transferable soft skills

Some of the most important transferable skills improve collaboration and problem-solving, such as:

• Communication and teamwork
• Problem solving and adaptability
• Time management and organisation
• Attention to detail and quality focus
• Resilience, stamina, and professionalism
• Commitment to lifelong learning

Practical and technical skills

Individual roles also require technical abilities, which can include:

• Operating machinery: Safe and effective operation of hand tools, power tools, and machinery
• Reading drawings and specifications: Interpreting architectural and engineering drawings, dimensions, and tolerances
• Measurement, math, and estimation: Accurate calculations for materials, quantities, and costs
• Health, safety, and regulatory knowledge: Understanding site safety procedures, building rules and regulations, and risk management
• Quality control and inspection: Checking workmanship, alignment, finishes, and compliance
• Digital and technological skills: Using and understanding digital Building Information Management (BIM) systems, digital site management tools, and data-driven construction methods

How to develop construction skills

Construction skills are built over time through multiple routes, including through apprenticeships, vocational training, on-site experience, and ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD). 

If you’re a student, there’s a role in construction regardless of the subjects your studying, with everything from Art & Design to Geography, Math, Science, Design and Technology, Physics, and Engineering all leading to a future career in construction. Our Early Careers Hubs includes more information on which school subjects can lead to different roles. 

After leaving school, an apprenticeship can allow you to gain a qualification while working and getting paid. You could also attend university to become an architect, quantity surveyor, or a sustainability manager. 

Ongoing development

Learning doesn’t stop when you get a job in construction. Those working in the sector regularly take short courses and study towards professional certifications, to continue expanding their knowledge and to keep up to date with the latest research and development. 

Becoming a Student Member of CIOB can also allow you to build your knowledge by giving you access to free courses, webinars, and events, and also allows you to work towards becoming a chartered construction manager or chartered builder.