Special - Is a career in construction a good idea ?

duncancartlidgeonline : Insights for construction professionals.

If you work in the construction industry, then the duncancartlidgeonline podcast is an essential source of information. Established in 2020, duncancartlidgeonline, has over 9 hours of video presentations on quantity surveying (taking off quantities/quantity takeoffs), construction management, estimating, project management and cost advice and all for £7 a month which includes online support.

Over the last two seasons of podcasts duncancartlidgeonline have kept construction professionals, including quantity surveyors, construction managers and project managers up to date with the latest developments in the construction industry and the professions. Topics have included; extensions of time, latent and patent defects, construction claims, planning approval delays, skills shortages and much more. The third season continues with more insights on current issues.

And then of course there is my favourite super hero Mothman, intrigued? You'll have to download to learn more.

Duncan Cartlidge is a fellow of the RICS with over 50 years experience in UK and European construction projects. In addition he is the author of several best selling books including, the Quantity Surveyor's Pocketbook 4th edition, The Construction Project Manager's Pocketbook 3rd edition and New Aspects of Quantity Surveying Practice 5th edition. Podcasts are recorded in the company of my red labrador Barney, who keeps his eye on proceedings.

This special episode asks the question: Is a career in construction a good idea ?

There has been a lot recently about medics complaining and taking strike action over their pay. But medics are not to only ones to endure long periods of training in the hope of high salaries in the future. 

LinkedIn is full of posts from recruiters both in the UK and worldwide asking for quantity surveyors. However, quite a few people on the same site have commented that this shortage is mainly due to low salaries which has failed to attract people, for what can be a very demanding career

It takes six years minimum to become a member of the RICS and seven years minimum for an architect to be registered with the RIBA and five-six years to become a member of the CIOB. In reality it takes many longer that that. Against this salaries for mid-career construction professionals are around £60k and for mid-career architects around £50k although of course people do earn more than this, but is this sufficient for all that study and potential student debt? The RICS has recently commented that the shortage of quantity surveyors is as much a problem and the shortage of bricklayers and plasterers, is it any wonder? 

Duncan Cartlidge FRICS

www.duncancartlidgeonline.com