Construction Operatives work closely in a team with trades-people in the construction of sites and structures. It is for this reason that they are more commonly known as construction laborers or ground workers. A Construction Operative works on many different types of construction projects as varied as housing developments to road-building. Thus, as a construction operative, one must be physically strong and active due to the physical activities that this job usually requires. Such physical activities include the hoarding, carrying, unloading and storing of building materials, as well as the setting-up of ladders, scaffoldings and other building materials.
What is Expected from ApplicantsConstruction Operative jobs are physically-demanding jobs. They range from activities as varied as digging trenches for foundations and drains, installing or dismantling of shuttering used to hold setting concrete in place, bending and altering metal bars for the reinforcement of concrete structures, arranging steel sheets as temporary retaining walls for excavation work, applying and smoothing concrete for foundations of structures and sites, installing scaffoldings, laying kerbs, paving surfaces, drainage construction, and others. For these, construction operatives must know how to use and operate hand, power and machine tools, as well as other pieces of equipment used for construction purposes.
What to Expect as a Construction Operative
Other Construction Operatives are asked to drive construction plant equipment such as excavators and dumper trucks in order to carry and transport heavy loads. For this, a Construction Operative must have a license to drive. However, for those who will not be driving and/or operating construction vehicles, no specific qualifications are needed, other than the physical strength and dexterity demanded by this job. Others may take an apprenticeship program that will focus on training you in the basic tasks of this job. The salary of a Construction Operative is scaled to qualification, experience, and job details.
