Construction

Bricklaying

Bricklayers work with clay and concrete masonry products to construct brickwork and blockwork. A bricklayer’s scope of work ranges from residential to commercial, from straight walls to ornamental walls, and from structural to non-load bearing walls. Bricklayers work in various conditions, both inside and outside, and may work as an individual or as a member of a team.

Cabinetmaking & Joinery

Cabinetmakers make and repair wooden fixtures and furniture. They work from designs and specifications to measure, cut, join and carve wood and other timber materials with a wide variety of hand and power tools and equipment, including static machinery, to produce objects of both practical and aesthetic value. A joiner is a tradesperson who specialises in joining wood together to make furniture like bookcases and tables, windows, doors, trusses, stairs, and any other items that involve joins. He or she works on commercial and residential projects, and is usually based in a workshop but often undertakes installations in the homes of customers and on building sites. Making joints requires specialist machinery and hand tools. A joiner will produce and interpret drawings, set out and measure, cut and form joints, and assemble, install and finish commissions to a high standard.

Carpentry

A carpenter is a skilled tradesperson who measures, cuts and installs building materials for both new or existing residential and commercial buildings. They might work on floors, wall and roof systems, stairs, interior and exterior finishes, roofing materials, doors, and windows. He or she has to work accurately to produce high quality outcomes.

Electrical Installations

Electrical installations are the cornerstone of an electrician’s work. An electrician plans and designs, selects and installs, commissions, tests, reports, maintains, fault finds and repair electrical wiring, systems and circuits to a high standard on commercial, residential, agricultural and industrial projects. This may involve buildings, stationary machines, or related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure.

Painting & Decorating

A painter and decorator works in the commercial and public sectors and is responsible for the interior and exterior appearance and maintenance of a building and its protection from water, rust, and mould. Painting and decorating is closely associated with other parts of the construction industry and is a finishing trade. The painter and decorator works both inside and outside in very diverse environments, for example in companies, factories, schools, hotels, the homes of clients and on building sites in all weather conditions. They may offer a range of services, including interpreting client requirements and drawings, advising on designs and colours, painting, spraying, decorative coatings, wallpapering, gilding and sign writing to a high standard.

Plastering & Drywall

Plasterers apply plaster, cement and other substances to the exterior and interior of buildings. These building professionals work on both new and existing buildings, applying plaster to walls and ceilings to give interior spaces a finished look. Plasterers also repair and restore old plastering work in existing buildings. Their job may also involve the creation of interior and exterior architectural details that enhance the overall look of a building’s facade or interior space.

Plumbing & Heating

Plumbers install, maintain, and repair pipes and fixtures associated with heating, cooling, water distribution, and sanitation systems in residential and commercial buildings. Plumbers may also fix domestic appliances, such as dishwashers and gas cookers. Plumbers have the opportunity to interact with a wide range of different people as every day involves a new job, a new client and a new environment.

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Refrigeration technicians install, maintain and repair industrial, commercial and domestic heating, cooling and refrigeration systems and equipment. They may install ducted air-conditioning in a family home, locate and correct faults in electrical equipment, or build large walk-in refrigeration units for businesses needing mass food storage. People in this profession are able to determine job requirements from drawings and specifications.

*List of competitions subject to change