4. Contents 1
Contents
• Introduction 5
• Section 1: An introduction to the construction industry 9
• Section 2: The construction workplace 21
• Section 3: Building trades 39
• Section 4: Health and safety 67
• Section 5: Vocabulary dictionary 79
Progress checklist 81
Individual work record 83
Individual work plan 85
• Section 6: Notes for teachers 93
Scheme of work 107
Lesson plan 1 115
Lesson plan 2 117
3
5. Introduction 1
Introduction
The Build Up: ESOL for Construction course was developed by Louise Cottom at Peterborough Regional
College as part of the Basic Skills Agency’s contribution to the ASSET UK Project. ASSET UK is a national
project part-funded by the European Structural Fund’s Equal Community Initiative, and the Learning and Skills
Council.
The course was designed to provide the students with a 60-hour general introduction to the construction
industry in the UK and to develop the English language skills needed in the industry.
The course materials were mapped to Entry 3 of the Adult ESOL Core Curriculum. This was because the
students on the course needed to be able to cope with complex vocabulary and grammar structures. Also,
students who wish to go on to retrain or acquire further qualifications will need English language skills at
Level 1 or above to give them the best chance of success. However, the materials can be adapted to cater for
lower skill levels leading up to Entry 3.
We have reproduced a selection of the materials used on the course as a starting point for anyone planning
an ESOL for Construction course. They include:
• materials for the first half of the programme
• examples of learning plans and checklists used on the course
• notes for teachers
• the scheme of work used on the project (with curriculum references) as an example that you can
adapt for different groups
• two examples of lesson plans used on the course.
While we have included notes for teachers, these are not intended to be prescriptive and we hope that you
will use them flexibly and creatively. As we know, ESOL students are not all the same. Many will have spiky
profiles and there will be a wide range of learning styles within the group. Also, not all of your students will
have the same experiences of the construction industry. We have included technical language that is used in
construction as it is unlikely that learners will have encountered it in other ESOL classes.
We have included the Build Up scheme of work as an example for you to follow or adapt (pp106). It does not
coincide exactly with the materials we have reproduced here. Although quite detailed, the course team found
it helpful and it saved a lot of time in lesson planning, mid-course review and end of course evaluation. Our
scheme of work was developed with various foundation level construction syllabi in mind.
You could also use the materials for an introductory course for minors who show an interest in joining the
construction profession. These materials can be supplemented by the embedded learning materials for
construction produced as part of the Skills for Life strategy.
5
6. Build Up
It is important that everyone understands that doing a course like this will not necessarily lead directly to
employment or a mainstream construction course straight away. Industry rules are strict and people with
overseas experience are usually expected to retrain, either in-house (if they are already working for a
company) or by going on an external training course. Instead, the course is intended to improve their
knowledge of what is available and make them aware of possible routes to employment.
You should try to involve people working in the industry in the delivery of the course. These may include:
• vocational lecturers who can advise you on developing course content, speak to your students
and advise them on progression opportunities
• people working in the construction industry, including those who are self-employed, from
different ethnic backgrounds wherever possible
• construction students who could act as mentors or befrienders to your students, giving them an
idea of what to expect on the course and the opportunity to practise their English language skills
• trade union officials to talk about your students’ rights and responsibilities
• health and safety personnel from unions or from the inspectorate.
It would also be worthwhile to invite job centre staff, small business advisers and guidance staff.
6
7. Section 1
An introduction to the construction
industry
You are now living in Britain and you want to use your skills and
experience of construction to find work. Where do you begin? Here are
some steps that will help you get started.
1. You need to find out about your construction trade in the UK – this includes
information about employers, working conditions, and qualifications needed.
2. It will help if you have documents to show your qualifications and work
record. They will have to be translated into English.
3. You need to be able to identify and describe your job skills.
4. You need to find out where you can get help finding a job.
5. You need to develop the English language skills you will use when you work
in your specific trade (e.g. vocabulary).
This course will help you to develop the English
language skills you need to work in the construction
industry or to do more training.
8. Section 1
Task 1a
About you
Ask someone in your class the following questions:
1. What is your name?
2. Where are you from?
3. How long have you lived in the UK?
4. What is your educational background?
5. How long have you been learning English?
6. Why are you coming to this class?
Task 1b
What do you hope to learn from the course?
In pairs, talk about what you want to learn from this course.
First tell your partner what you know about construction:
1. I already know about…
2. I can…
Next tell your partner what you want to learn:
3. I want to know how to say…
4. I want to learn about…
5. I need to…
6. By the end of the course I want to be able to…
7. In the future I want to…
Now tell your teacher and the rest of the group.
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9. Build Up
What do you know about the construction
industry in the UK?
Task 2a
Discuss the following with a partner or the group:
1. What you know about the construction industry in the UK?
2. What do you think about the construction industry in the UK?
Task 2b
Now write down your thoughts:
1. What I know about the construction industry in the UK.
2. What I think about the construction industry in the UK.
Task 2c
When you have finished, work in pairs to interview each other.
Think of five or six questions you can ask, for example:
1. What do you know about the construction industry in the UK?
2. Do you think it is different from another country you know well?
3. Did you work in construction before you came to the UK?
4. What did you do?
5. What job do you want to do now?
Task 2d
Pretend you are asking these questions for a programme on the radio.
Record your questions and answers on a tape recorder.
10
10. Section 1
What is construction?
Extension activity
Define construction in your own words.
Write between three and five sentences about construction:
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
Write about up to five people who work in construction and the jobs they do. For example:
1. A glazier works with glass.
2. .....................................................................................................................................................................
3. .....................................................................................................................................................................
4. .....................................................................................................................................................................
5. .....................................................................................................................................................................
6. .....................................................................................................................................................................
11
11. Build Up
Task 3
Investigating the construction industry in the area where
you live
Out of class activity
Do you know of any building developments near where you live or study?
Find out about at least one building project that you know of. It could be a small project, such as
building a garden wall, or a very large one.
Use the table below to help you.
What is the building What is the name of What different jobs What are the different
project? the builder or can you see people tools you can see
company? doing? people using?
Extension activity
Now write between 100–150 words about the project.
If it is a large project there may be information about it at your local library or council, or on a website. You
can work with a partner and use any books or website information that you can find.
12
12. Section 1
Task 4
What is the construction industry?
Read the text below to help you answer the following questions.
Think about the world around you. Imagine it without the construction industry. There would be people, but
no houses for them to live in or offices, schools and shops for them to work in. There wouldn’t be any
factories to build cars or roads for them to drive on. There wouldn’t be any water supplies, because there
would be no reservoirs or pipes. We would never be able to go abroad, because there would be no harbours,
airports or tunnels.
It is easy to forget that the construction industry built the places where we all live, work and enjoy ourselves.
You will now read information about the people who make all these things possible.
The industry
A building starts as an idea in someone’s mind, an idea that architects and engineers turn into designs.
The designs are turned into detailed images on a computer screen, while planners, engineers and financial
experts work on costs and schedules.
Then the surveyors and site engineers prepare the site for construction by measuring and marking out exactly
where everything will go.
Next it is the turn of hundreds of skilled craftspeople and their managers to transform the site into a
finished product.
Years after construction is completed, the industry is still involved – maintaining, refurbishing and
restoring all the structures that make up the world we live in.
The people who work in it
Did you know that the construction industry employs one out of every 14 people working in the UK? That is
about two million men and women, who between them have a vast range of interests, abilities and skills.
If you are:
• aiming for a high-level management job or intellectual challenge
• looking for work that’s more technical than academic, or a supervisory role
• after a job with training in a skilled craft, which will enable you to use your hands to build things
• staying on at school, going to college or leaving education as fast as you can
there is a place for you in the construction industry.
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13. Build Up
The training
There are three main routes into the industry, each with the right combination of training and vocational
qualifications for the job. You can start as a craftsperson, a technician or a graduate. However, one of the
best things about the construction industry is that you don’t need to follow the paths set out below. You can
start at the bottom and work your way to the top.
Graduates
People with a degree, usually in a relevant subject such as civil and structural engineering or construction
management, can go straight into the industry at a high level.
Technicians
You can enter the industry at this level with secondary school leaving qualifications or vocational
qualifications from your country of origin. If you were educated in Britain you need four good GCSE passes
(or Standard grades in Scotland), A levels or a vocational qualification. There are two main options: you can
work and go to college part-time or you can get full-time college qualifications before joining the industry.
The work is hard, but there is more technical and practical work than learning from books.
Craftspeople
To enter the industry as a trainee craftsperson, you will need a good basic education in English and maths.
If you were educated in Britain you will probably need some GCSEs at grades D to G (or standard grades in
Scotland). Some training courses give you extra help with English and maths if you need it. Craftspeople learn
skills that involve using their hands, but they will also have a chance to do qualifications that can take them
to technical-level jobs. Most people train and gain vocational qualifications as they work, usually as an
apprentice, although there are other kinds of training schemes too.
If you gained your qualifications overseas you may need to find out which of the British qualifications they
are equal to. Training organisations and colleges can help you with this.
For more information on how you can prove you have the right skills, experience and qualifications, visit the
website of the Construction Industry Training Board at at www.citb.co.uk
Adapted from A building Craft Foundation by P. Brett and from www.bconstructive.co.uk.
14
14. Section 1
Words in construction
Write down the definition of the words that appear in bold. You can use a dictionary or the
Internet to help you. You can write the definitions in English and in your home language. Add any
more words that are new to you.
designs .............................................................................................................................................................
images ..............................................................................................................................................................
schedules ..........................................................................................................................................................
skilled craftspeople ...........................................................................................................................................
maintaining ......................................................................................................................................................
refurbishing ......................................................................................................................................................
restoring ...........................................................................................................................................................
Now use the information in the text to answer these questions. Try to write your answers in full
sentences.
1. What do people in the construction industry do? ........................................................................................
2. Who turns ideas into designs? .....................................................................................................................
3. Who works on costs and schedules? ...........................................................................................................
4. Who needs to prepare the site for construction? .........................................................................................
5. How many people work in the construction industry in the UK? .................................................................
6. What are the three main routes into the industry? ......................................................................................
7. Which one would you fit into? ....................................................................................................................
15
15. Build Up
Task 5
The construction industry in the UK
In the UK, the construction industry is an important part of the economy. It operates in both the public
sector and private sector. It is responsible for building and maintaining people’s homes, as well as the
provision and upkeep of major infrastructures such as roads, airports and bridges. It also builds the
places where we shop and work and is a key partner of the UK government in the long-term operation
of schools, hospitals and other public facilities.
The construction industry in the UK is made up mostly of small businesses. According to the
CITB-ConstructionSkills there are about 56 firms with over 1,200 employees, whereas there are over
164,000 firms who employ fewer than 24 workers.
There are about two million workers working in construction at present. One in 14 of the total working
population of Britain are employed by the construction industry. Most of them work for a company but
there is a growing number of self-employed builders – over 590,000.
Over the next five years the construction industry needs to recruit more than 85,000 new workers a year
to join the ever-growing trade. We need more than:
• 12,000 carpenters and joiners
• 10,000 managers
• 6,500 plumbers
• 6,000 bricklayers
• 2,000 technicians.
Minority ethnic groups are under-represented in the construction workforce. Only about 3% of
construction workers are from minority ethnic communities in England and only 1% in Wales.
The percentage of women in the construction industry is rising from 8.8% in 1999 to 10% in 2005.
Look up the words in bold and put them in your personal dictionary.
16
16. Section 1
True or false?
Read the questions below and use the text to decide if they are true or false.
1. The construction industry is not an important part of the economy. True False
2. The construction industry works in both the private and public sector. True False
3. The construction industry in Britain is made up of mostly big businesses. True False
4. There are over 164,000 firms who work with fewer than 24 workers. True False
5. There are under two million workers working in construction. True False
6. Most people working in construction work for a company. True False
7. There are more people from minority ethnic groups working in True False
construction in England than in Wales.
8. The number of women working in construction is rising. True False
9. The construction industry needs to recruit more plumbers than technicians. True False
17
17. Build Up
Task 6
Why is health and safety important?
Working on construction sites can be very dangerous.
What health and safety issues do you think you will face in the construction industry?
Discuss this with a partner. Write down some thoughts and then present your ideas to the class.
Keep your notes, you will need them later in the course.
For more information on health and safety visit www.hse.gov.uk/construction/ .
Out of class activity
Find out more about the construction industry.
• Look around the construction sites in your area, this will help you get used to the different stages
of building.
• Look through the local newspapers for details of new building, restoration, or possible job
opportunities.
• Search the Internet under the names of large building companies (for example Persimmon, Bovis
Homes). This will help you to get a good understanding of what skills people are looking for.
• Look at the general websites for the construction industry. These give you lots of information
ranging from how to re-skill to how to take the Site Safety Certificate. The best websites to visit
are www.citb.co.uk and www.bconstructive.co.uk.
• Join your local library where you can read and borrow books about construction.
18
19. Section 2
Task 7
The main areas of the construction industry
The construction industry covers four main areas. These are:
a b
Building Mechanical engineering
c d
Civil engineering Electrical engineering
Which area is which?
Discuss the definitions below with a partner or in a small group, and decide which area it describes.
Definition a, b, c, d?
This is the building, maintenance and adaptation of all types of buildings ranging
from office blocks, industrial sites and shopping centres, to schools, hospitals,
recreation centres and homes. Included in these areas are specialist builders who
work in one skill area, e.g. glazing, tiling and roofing.
This is the construction and maintenance of public works such as roads, railways,
bridges, airports and sewers.
This is the installation, commissioning and maintenance of lifts, escalators and
heating, ventilation, refrigeration, sprinkler and plumbing systems.
This is the installation, commissioning and maintenance of various electrical and
electronic devices.
21
20. Build Up
Task 8
Different buildings
Buildings are classified according to their height.
You have: • high rise (which are higher than seven storeys)
• medium rise (which are between four and seven storeys)
• low rise (which are between one and three storeys).
There are other classifications as well, based on the shape and size of the buildings – detached, semi-
detached, terraced, etc.
What’s the difference between residential, commercial and industrial buildings?
In pairs, think about the buildings below and whether they are commercial, industrial or residential.
Write your answers in the table.
• houses • flats • hospitals • schools
• residential homes • hostels • bed-sits • bed and breakfasts
• public halls • social clubs • mosques • churches
• restaurants • café • pubs/clubs • factories
• warehouses • colleges • hotels • offices
Commercial buildings Industrial buildings Residential buildings
22
21. Section 2
Task 9a
What do you know about the construction industry?
1. Name the THREE types of building.
.....................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
2. Explain the difference between private and public sector building work.
.....................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
3. Give THREE examples of building work.
.....................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
4. Give THREE examples of civil engineering work.
.....................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
5. Explain the difference between maintenance, refurbishment and restoration.
.....................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................
23
22. Build Up
Task 9b
Types of buildings and premises
There are three main types of buildings and premises: residential, commercial and industrial.
Write down a definition in your own words or home language, we have done one for you.
Category Types of building and premises Definition
Residential • private houses: detached,
• semi-detached, terraced,
maisonettes
• flats
• hostels
• hospitals
• schools
• public halls
Commercial • retail outlets: shops, Premises used for the sale of goods and
supermarkets services
• pubs
• cafés
• hairdressers
Industrial • factories
• areas to park vehicles
• warehouses
24
23. Section 2
Task 10
Roles and responsibilities of personnel working in
construction
The construction of a building is a complex process, which requires a team of professionals working together
to produce the desired results. This team of professionals, which is collectively known as the building team, is
a combination of the following parties.
Client The client is the person who wants the building work done.
Architect The architect designs what the client wants and leads the building team.
Quantity surveyor The quantity surveyor works out how much the building is going to cost.
They also make sure that the costs don’t increase above what was agreed
with the client.
Specialist engineer The specialist engineer helps the architect. They prepare drawings and do
calculations to make sure that the building is being built correctly.
Clerk of works A clerk of works, or site inspector, makes sure that work carried out and
materials being used on a construction project meet quality and safety
standards.
Local authority The local authority makes sure that the building does not break planning and
building laws.
Health and safety Checks that the builders follow health or safety rules and regulations.
inspector
Building contractor Works on the site and builds the building.
Sub-contractor Works on parts of the building that the building contractor can’t do. For
example, putting in windows, baths or tiling.
Suppliers Provide the building materials.
Now you know what they do, can you work out how they all work together using the diagram on
the next page? Work in pairs or small groups.
25
24. Build Up
The building team
Client
Suppliers
Choose from the following words and put them in the right boxes. We have done two for you.
• Building contractor • Client
• Architect • Suppliers
• Quantity surveyor • Sub-contractors
• Specialist engineers • Health and safety inspector
• Local authority • Clerk of works
26
25. Section 2
The building team answers
Client
Quantity
surveyor
Architect
Specialist
engineers
Local Clerk
authority of Works
Building Health and
contractor safety inspector
Sub-
Suppliers
contractors
27
26. Build Up
Task 11
Roles and responsibilities of personnel
In this section you have learnt about the many different people in the building industry who carry out a
variety of jobs or roles in the every day running of a project.
These include the main contractor, sub-contractor, clerk of works, the client, the architect, quantity surveyor,
structural engineer, safety officer, site clerk, general foreman/woman, trades personnel, trades foreman/
woman, general operative, storeman/woman, timekeeper, etc.
Assignment
Using what you have learned, websites or reference books, write down what each person does
(their function). If you can, write down their responsibilities to the client who is paying for the
work.
Architect .........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
Quantity surveyor ..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
Structural engineer ........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
Clerk of works ................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
Contracts manager .........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
Safety officer ..................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
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27. Section 2
Site clerk .........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
General foreman/woman ..............................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
Trades foreman/woman .................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
Trades person ..................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
General operative ..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................................
How well have you done?
Can you name four different trades that may be found working together on a building site?
Place your answers in the box provided.
1. 2.
3. 4.
29
28. Build Up
Task 12
What are trade unions?
Read the text below and answer the following questions.
Trade unions are organisations that represent people at work. Their purpose is to protect and improve
people’s pay and working conditions. They also campaign for laws and policies to be changed or created,
which will benefit working people.
Trade unions exist because an individual worker has very little power to influence decisions that are made
about their job. By joining with other workers, there is more chance of having an influence or being heard.
All sorts of jobs and industries are covered by trade unions. Some unions are sector specific, this means they
are only for people who work in one area, for example UCATT (Union of Construction, Allied Trades and
Technicians) have over 120,000 members employed in the building trades, in both the public and private
sector. Other unions include a mixture of different jobs and sectors. The biggest unions in Britain – the GMB,
UNISON and the TGWU represent people working in a range of different occupations and industries in the
public and private sectors.
Questions
1. What is a trade union?
2. Are there trade unions in the country you came from?
3. What is the construction union called?
4. Using the Internet, find out the other name for the GMB?
5. Using the Internet, find out what TGWU stands for?
6. Do you think that joining a union is a good idea?
Find out more about unions. UCATT is the main union for construction but you will also find the
CITB-ConstructionSkills very helpful with any questions you may have.
For more information contact:
UCATT, UCATT House, 177 Abbeville Road, London SW4 9RL. Telephone: 020 7622 2442
www.ucatt.org.uk
CITB-ConstructionSkills, Bircham Newton, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6RH. Telephone: 01485 577577
www.citb-constructionskills.co.uk
For more information on the other unions mentioned visit their websites:
GMB www.gmb.org.uk TGWU www.tgwu.org.uk UNISON www.unison.org.uk
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29. Section 2
Task 13
How do people join trade unions?
Different unions cover different jobs and it is important that you know which union covers your job before
you join.
People can join unions in different ways. Most people find out about them by talking to colleagues at work
and then contacting the union directly. A union representative offers information about what the union can
do for employees and how they can join. Some employers and HR officers tell employees about the union
before they start working for the organisation.
Unions are always looking for new members. Some use adverts in newspapers and magazines, leaflets or
gifts (free pens, bags, etc.) as part of a recruitment campaign. The target is often to get people to join who
work part-time, in temporary jobs or in small organisations where there has not been a high rate of union
membership in the past.
What is the structure of trade unions?
Trade unions are made up of members, shop stewards (union representatives), branches, district and regional
offices and the national office.
• A member is someone who pays to belong to the union.
• The union representatives are elected by members of the union to represent them to
management.
• Branches support union members in different organisations locally.
• Full time union officials are usually based in district and/or regional offices. These people are paid
to offer advice and support to the local union members.
• The national office is the union’s headquarters. This is where the heads of the organisation work
for improvements to the members’ working rights.
How much does it cost to join a union?
Each trade union member pays a subscription. The amount varies from union to union and the fee is usually
based on the amount each person earns. It can be from as little as £5 a month to over £300.
People pay their subscription fee in different ways. It may be collected by direct debit straight out of your
bank account, or it could be deducted from your wages or paid in cash or cheque to the local office.
In exchange for the fee, members receive the benefits of representation, negotiation, protection and other
services from their union.
31
30. Build Up
Questions
1. What do you think would be the best way to join a trade union?
2. Have you seen any adverts for trade unions?
3. What is a member?
4. What is the difference between a branch and a district/regional office?
In small groups of three or four discuss these questions:
5. Should people pay to be a member of a union? Give two reasons why you think this.
6. Do you think everybody should join a union? Give two reasons why you think this.
Present your group’s opinion to the class. If the class disagrees, vote to decide if the answer to each question
should be yes or no.
Extension activity
Role play
Hamid has just joined a new company. Sam has worked for the company for some time and is
telling Hamid about the job. Sam suggests that Hamid should join the union. Hamid is not sure.
Sara joins them. She is the union representative. She tells Hamid the benefits of joining the
union and answers his questions.
Role play their discussion. If you were Hamid would you join the union?
32
31. Section 2
Task 14
Being self-employed
A very large number of people in the construction industry work for themselves, not for an employer or
company. They are self-employed.
Can you think of three good reasons for being self-employed?
1. .....................................................................................................................................................................
2. .....................................................................................................................................................................
3 ......................................................................................................................................................................
On the other hand, you do not have the security of a regular salary, paid holidays and statutory sick leave.
Before you consider starting your own business you may want to get some knowledge and experience of the
construction industry in the UK. You will meet many self-employed people who will be able to give you useful
advice.
If you are thinking about becoming self-employed make sure that you get the best advice you can. There are
many organisations, websites and books that can advise you on making your business a success.
If you are thinking of becoming self-employed you need to ask yourself the following questions.
• Why do I want to be self-employed?
• What kind of business will I run?
• Have I got the right qualifications for that trade or job?
• How will I start to find work?
• How will I look after my finances?
• Do I need someone to help me with my accounts?
• How do I pay income tax?
• Do I have to pay national insurance contributions?
• What health and safety issues do I have to think about?
• Do I need insurance?
• What do I do about a pension?
• Can I employ other people?
• Do I get any benefits or tax credits for being self-employed?
• Where can I get further advice?
Discuss these questions in pairs or small groups. You may have the answers to some or all of
them, or you may find you have more questions.
33
32. Build Up
Think about different people you can invite to talk to your class and answer your questions.
For example:
• self-employed people working in construction
• a business link adviser
• a construction manager who uses self-employed construction workers.
Who else can you think of?
After the session don’t forget to write to thank your visitor.
To find out more about self-employment see the following websites:
www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/employment/self-employment_checklist.htm
www.businesslink.gov.uk and click on in your sector/construction and building services
www.startups.co.uk
34
33. Section 2
Task 15
Build Up course progress checklist
Discuss your answers with your teacher. Are there any skills you need to improve?
Personal qualities Yes No
Do you like to work outside, regardless of the weather?
Do you know how to dress to keep yourself warm while working outside during the
British winter?
Are you able to stay calm in an emergency?
Are you concerned about cleanliness and order?
Do you have a friendly personality?
Physical attributes
Are you strong?
Are you flexible?
Do you have stamina?
Do you have the skills and knowledge needed to work in construction? Yes No
Can you describe different types of construction in the UK?
Do you know how to communicate with your employer, your co-workers and your clients?
Are you familiar with health and safety for construction in the UK?
Do you know how to avoid accidents?
Do you know about the equipment used by construction workers in your trade in the UK?
Are you familiar with the tools that are used in the UK?
Can you name the tools and their parts?
Can you troubleshoot or fix tools on the job if necessary?
Do you have experience working in residential construction?
Do you have experience working on large construction projects?
Do you have the education and training? Yes No
Do you have your diploma or certificate here in the UK?
If not, can you get a copy?
Do you need to write to your university, college or employer?
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35. Section 3
Task 16
Definitions of different building trades
In this section we find out what different personnel in construction do. The term for the different jobs in
construction is ‘building trades’. Building tradespeople are the skilled workers who work with specific
materials when building, maintaining or refurbishing a building.
Can you match the following tradespeople to their description?
Look for the clues in the definition.
• Painter and decorator • Plumber
• Roof slater and tiler • Carpenter/joiner
• Bricklayer • Electrician
• Plasterer
Definition Tradesperson
Works with bricks and mortar to construct or repair all types of walling.
Works with timber, other allied materials, metals and plastic items and ironmongery.
Works with wires, cables, metal and plastic fittings, and installs and maintains
electric systems.
Works with paint, paper, fabrics and fillers to decorate or redecorate new or
existing works; they sometimes glaze windows or carry out sign-writing.
Works with plaster, cement mixes, plasterboard and expanded metal, to finish walls,
ceilings and floors; also makes and fixes plaster.
Works with metals, plastics and ceramics; installs tanks, baths, sinks, toilets, basins,
rainwater goods, boilers, radiators and gas appliances; also cuts and fixes sheet
metal roof covering and flashing and sometimes glazing.
Works with felt, timber, metals, mortar and a wide variety of slates and tiles; covers
new or existing pitched roofs and slates or tiles; also maintains existing works.
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36. Build Up
Task 17
Different trades
Using a dictionary, website or reference book, find out what these tradespeople do.
• Carpet fitter/floor layer
• Building or construction
operative
• Construction plant operator
• Demolition operative
• Form worker
• Glazier
• Quarry worker
• Scaffolder
• Shop fitter
• Stonemason
• Welder
• Wood machinist
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37. Section 3
Task 18
Different jobs in construction
Here are more details on a number of different jobs in construction. The task sheets that follow can be used
in different ways, on your own or with another student or small group, to improve your English language
skills and knowledge about working in construction in this country. Your teacher will guide you.
When you feel you are familiar with one or more of the different jobs think about the following:
Do you think the job or trade is right for you?
What is the next step?
You can apply for the job directly to a building firm but, if you do not have a qualification that is recognised
in the UK, you may need to retrain. The building firm might be willing to train you on the job. If you are
under 25 you could retrain by a Modern Apprenticeship or you could complete an NVQ in construction.
For more information visit these websites:
www.bconstructive.co.uk/careers/
www.citb-constructionskills.co.uk/careers
www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/
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38. Build Up
Builder’s labourer
• What do builder’s labourers do?
• What tools and equipment do they use?
• What skills do you need to become a labourer?
A builder’s labourer is a construction worker who helps builders and other craftspeople to do their jobs on a
building site. This can be by moving bricks and heavy machinery into place for example. They also do general
tasks around the building site.
Here are some of the materials, tools and equipment a builder’s labourer may use.
Can you match the names of the tools and equipment with the pictures?
• Bricks • Wheelbarrow • Hard hat
• Brush • Pickaxe • Ladder
• Spade • Trowel • Skip
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39. Section 3
Can you think of anything else?
What kind of clothes do builder’s labourers wear for their job?
What kinds of jobs would a builder’s labourer do every day?
Some of the jobs they do include:
• unloading and storing building materials
• making sure the security fencing and barricades are safe
• helping the different crafts people
• mixing concrete and plaster
• digging and maintaining trenches
• using and cleaning hand tools
• tidying up the site – making sure all the rubbish is in the skip at the end of the day.
Some qualities that builder’s labourers need are to:
• be fit and strong as they need to lift and carry a lot of weight
• be able to work outdoors in all kinds of weather
• be able to follow instructions and health and safety procedures
• be able to work with other people in a team
• enjoy practical work.
Can you think of any more?
Do you think this is the job for you?
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40. Build Up
Carpenter and joiner
• What do carpenters and joiners do?
• What tools and equipment do they use?
• What skills do you need to become a carpenter or joiner?
Carpenters and joiners make and repair things mainly using wood, but also using materials such as metals
and plastic.
Here are some of the materials, tools and equipment a carpenter or joiner may use.
Can you match the names of the tools and equipment with the pictures?
• Timber • Chisel • Glue • Lathe
• Workbench • Jigsaw • Electric drill • Screwdriver
• Hammer • Set square • Mask • Nails
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41. Section 3
Can you think of anything else?
What kind of clothes do carpenters wear for their job?
What kinds of jobs would carpenters and joiners do every day?
Carpenters and joiners may be self-employed or work for a firm. They do many different jobs including:
• talking to clients and co-workers about each job they are doing
• following plans and drawings for whatever they are making
• cutting wood using electric or hand saws and smoothing and shaping wood
• laying and replacing floorboards, building staircases, partition walls and door frames
• replacing and repairing woodwork
• formwork or making temporary wooden structures to support and shape concrete until set.
Some qualities that carpenters and joiners need are to:
• be careful, methodical and able to plan accurately
• be able to follow technical drawings and plans
• have good number skills for measuring and making calculations
• be fit and strong as they need to carry a lot of weight
• be able to work as part of a team and alone
• enjoy practical work
• be able to follow health and safety instructions.
Can you think of any more?
Do you think this is the job for you?
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42. Build Up
Construction plant operator
• What does a construction plant operator do?
• What tools and equipment do they use?
• What skills do you need to become a construction plant operator?
A construction plant operator drives, controls and operates machinery used on building sites and road works.
Here are some of the tools and equipment construction plant operators use.
Can you match the names of the tools and equipment with the pictures?
• Digger • Wrench • Ear protectors
• Crane • Skip • Forklift truck
• Fluorescent jacket • Shovel • Excavator
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43. Section 3
Can you think of anything else?
Which of these are tools? Which of these are vehicles?
What kind of clothes do construction plant operators wear for this job?
Some of the many jobs they do include:
• clearing the ground for a new building site
• digging away soil using soil excavators
• digging trenches with diggers
• moving soil and rubble around
• maintaining the machinery they use
• moving heavy items like oil drums around a site in the scoop of a digger
• move palettes using a forklift truck
• operate hydraulic platforms
• use a pile drive to drive steel into the ground.
Skills and qualities construction plant operators need are to:
• be good at driving large, heavy machines
• have a basic knowledge of vehicle mechanics
• have good eyesight, hearing and concentration
• be able to follow detailed instructions
• be physically fit and agile for changing attachments and climbing in and out of cabs
• be good at communicating and working with others as part of a team
• be able to follow safe working practices
• to have a good knowledge of health and safety procedures
• be comfortable working at heights for some jobs.
Can you think of any more?
Do you think this is the job for you?
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44. Build Up
Electrician
• What does an electrician do?
• What tools and equipment do they use?
• What skills do you need to become an electrician?
Electricians wire up buildings so that they have electrical services such as heating and lighting. They also
repair electrical faults and do re-wiring. They can work indoors and outdoors.
Here are some of the tools and equipment electricians use.
Can you match the names of the tools and equipment with the pictures?
• Switch • Circuit diagram
• Wire strippers • Plug point
• Electric drill • Ladder
• Screwdriver • Rubber soled shoes
• Pliers • Overalls
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45. Section 3
Can you think of anything else?
What kind of jobs would an electrician do?
Electricians are often self-employed. Some of the many jobs electricians do include:
• working out the best way to fit new electrics
• following diagrams accurately so they know where wires or cables go
• using hand tools such as saws, drills, pliers
• fitting metal channels for cabling
• fixing sockets and switches
• testing wiring for faults.
Can you think of anything else?
What do they use saws, drills and pliers for?
Some skills and qualities electricians need are:
• a good knowledge about how electricity works
• to know about building and safety regulations and to follow them
• to be able to work in cramped conditions and be comfortable working at heights
• to be able to work on their own or in a team
• to be good at following detailed instructions.
Can you think of any more?
Do you think this is the job for you?
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46. Build Up
Painter and decorator
• What do painters and decorators do?
• What tools and equipment do they use?
• What skills do you need to become a painter and decorator?
Painters and decorators prepare, paint and wallpaper walls and other parts of buildings. They can work
indoors or outdoors.
Here are some of the materials, tools and equipment they use.
Can you match the names of the tools and equipment with the pictures?
• Paint • Tape measure
• Brushes • Dust sheet
• Roller • Pencil
• Wallpaper brush • Overalls
• Scraper • Sandpaper
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47. Section 3
Can you think of anything else?
Write a sentence explaining what each of them is used for, e.g. a dust sheet is used to protect the
floor or furniture from paint splashes.
What kind of jobs would painters and decorators do?
Painters and decorators are often self-employed. Some of the many jobs they do include:
• helping a customer decide on the best kind of decoration for the job
• stripping off old wallpaper and scraping off paint
• using filler to fill cracks and gaps
• cleaning, sanding and smoothing down surfaces ready for decorating
• putting up coving and decorative plaster mouldings
• painting walls, woodwork and ceilings
• cleaning brushes and equipment.
Skills and qualities painters and decorators need are to:
• be fit and take care as they lift, carry, kneel, bend and stretch a lot when they are working
• be practical and creative
• have good colour vision for mixing and matching paints
• be able to work accurately and have an appreciation for detail
• have good number skills for counting, measuring and weighing
• be able to work alone and as part of a team
• be comfortable working at heights
• be good at following instructions and health and safety procedures.
Can you think of any more?
Do you think this is the job for you?
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48. Build Up
Plasterer
• What do plasterers do?
• What tools and equipment do they use?
• What skills do you need to become a plasterer?
A plasterer mixes plaster and then applies it to walls and ceilings to make them smooth and flat.
Here are some of the materials, tools and equipment they use.
Can you match the names of the tools and equipment with the pictures?
• Hacksaw • Stanley knife
• Bucket • Plasterboard
• Stepladder • Overalls
• Hawk • Plaster
• Trowel • Goggles
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49. Section 3
Can you think of anything else?
Which of these are tools? Which are equipment?
Write a sentence to say how a plasterer uses each of the tools or equipment, e.g. a plasterer
applies plaster with a trowel.
Plasterers are often self-employed. Some of the many jobs they do include:
• cutting to measure and fixing plasterboards to walls and ceilings
• mixing powder to make plaster
• applying or spreading layers of plaster on walls and ceilings using a trowel and a straight edge
• working out the thickness of plaster for each layer and making sure edges are straight
• working out how much time they need to get a smooth finish before the plaster dries out.
Can you think of anything else?
Skills and qualities plasterers need are to:
• be fit and flexible as they lift, carry, kneel, bend and stretch a lot when they are working
• be able to work accurately and have an appreciation for detail
• have good number skills for weighing and measuring
• be able to work alone and as part of a team
• be comfortable working at heights
• be good at following instructions and health and safety procedures.
Can you think of any more?
Can you say why they need each quality or skill?
Do you think this is the job for you?
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50. Build Up
Plumber
• What does a plumber do?
• What tools and equipment do they use?
• What skills do you need to become a plumber?
Plumbers install, maintain and repair hot and cold water supplies. They install bathrooms and toilets, boilers
and central heating systems in domestic, industrial and commercial premises.
Here are some of the materials, tools and equipment they use.
Can you match the names of the tools and equipment with the pictures?
• Drill • Blow torch • Shower • Steel toecapped boots
• Mastic gun • Circular saw • Toilet • Eye protectors
• Pipes • Hot water tank • Taps
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51. Section 3
Can you think of anything else?
What kinds of clothing do plumbers wear?
What kinds of jobs would plumbers do everyday?
Plumbers are often self-employed. Some of the many jobs they do include:
• talking to customers about what they need done and explaining how things work
• following plans and drawings
• installing and fixing tanks, boilers, toilets, showers, sinks, taps, gas appliances and other fittings
• testing pipe work to see if it is working
• putting in drainage systems
• clearing drains and dealing with burst pipes.
Can you think of anything else?
Skills and quantities plumbers need are to:
• be able to follow technical drawings and plans
• work carefully and methodically
• be able to work at heights and in confined spaces
• be fit and flexible
• be aware of safety issues and legal regulations
• be able to work as part of a team and alone.
Can you think of any more?
Do you think this is the job for you?
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52. Build Up
Roofer
• What does a roofer do?
• What tools and equipment do they use?
• What skills do you need to become a roofer?
Roofers build and repair roofs on all types of buildings. The jobs can range from stripping and re-slating a
roof on a house to working on a renovation project on an historic building or being involved on a new
commercial development.
Here are some of the materials, tools and equipment they use.
Can you match the names of the tools and equipment with the pictures?
• Chute • Battens • Hammer and nails
• Tiles • Roof ladder • Hard hat
• Pulley • Safety harness
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53. Section 3
Can you think of anything else?
Can you write a sentence to explain how each of them is used, e.g. roofers use pulleys to haul
heavy materials up to where they are working.
What kinds of jobs would roofers do?
Roofers may be employed by a firm or self-employed. Some of the many jobs they do include:
• removing broken tiles and old roof coverings
• calculating the number of tiles and other materials they need for a new roof
• putting up new roof timbers
• building new roof structures
• tiling the roof
• making sure all edges are sealed so that they don’t let water in.
Skills and qualities roofers need are to:
• be happy working outdoors in all weather conditions and at heights
• be able to understand technical drawings and plans
• have good number skills to work out areas and angles and calculate quantities and prices of
materials
• be able to work alone and as part of a team
• be able to follow strict health and safety procedures
• be physically fit and strong because they have to do a lot of lifting and carrying.
Can you think of any more?
Do you think this is the job for you?
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54. Build Up
Wall and floor tiler
• What does a tiler do?
• What tools and equipment do they use?
• What skills do you need to become a tiler?
Wall and floor tilers tile walls, floors and other surfaces in houses, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens,
industrial premises, swimming pools, shops, hotels and offices.
Here are some of the materials, tools and equipment they use.
Can you match the names of the tools and equipment with the pictures?
• Tiles • Tile spacers
• Knee pads • Spirit level
• Pointing tool • Hardboard
• Eye protectors • Cement
• Ladder • Grout
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55. Section 3
Can you think of anything else?
What kinds of jobs would tilers do?
Tilers may be employed by a firm or self-employed. Some of the many jobs they do include:
• discussing and agreeing a job with a customer
• marking out areas to be tiled
• making sure there is a smooth, flat surface to attach the tiles
• removing old and cracked tiles and replacing them
• using cement and adhesive glue
• evenly spacing the tiles out using tile spacers
• using grout to fill in the spaces between the tiles when all the tiles are in place.
Can you think of anything else?
Skills and qualities tilers need are to:
• be fit, strong and flexible for bending, lifting and carrying tools and materials
• be able to work accurately and methodically
• have good number skills for measuring and calculating quantities of materials
• be creative and able to follow or produce designs and patterns using tiles of different shapes and
sizes
• be able to follow technical plans and drawings
• be able to work alone or as part of a team
• be willing to keep up with new materials and trends
• follow health and safety procedures.
Can you think of any more?
Do you think this is the job for you?
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56. Build Up
Task 19
How much do you know about the different trades?
In pairs or small groups tell each other how much you know about the different trades.
Choose one of the following:
• bricklayers
• roofers
• electricians
• painters and decorators
• plasterers.
Tell your partner or the rest of your group:
1. What they do?
2. Three different tools they need?
3. How much you think they get paid?
4. Do you have to be strong to be that job? Why?
5. What protective clothing do you need to wear?
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57. Section 3
Learning more about different construction workers
Task 20a
Builder’s labourers
Builder’s labourers are construction workers who do general work on a site. Some may specialise by working
with particular tradespeople as a trade's assistant, such as a bricklayer's labourer or carpenter's assistant.
In pairs, discuss what builder’s labourers do and use. Next use these words to complete the
sentences below.
• equipment • equipment and machinery
• materials • mixers and compressors
• traffic near construction sites • scaffolding
• or jackhammers to break up rock and concrete • concrete
Builder’s labourers . . .
1. move, load and unload ................................................................................................................................
2. erect and dismantle .....................................................................................................................................
3. mix, pour, spread and rake ..........................................................................................................................
4. install, operate, maintain and repair .............................................................................................................
5. oil and grease ..............................................................................................................................................
6. tend and feed machines such as ..................................................................................................................
7. dig trenches using hand tools ......................................................................................................................
8. direct ...........................................................................................................................................................
In pairs or small groups discuss if you have done any of these activities. If you have, how did you
find them?
Do you think this would be a good job for you?
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58. Build Up
Task 20b
Carpenters and joiners
Carpenters and joiners make and install wooden structures, fixtures and fittings, which are used in a wide
variety of construction projects. This could include fitting floorboards, skirting, window frames and doors
in houses or fixing roof trusses and partitions for commercial buildings; preparing shop fronts, storage and
shelving for retail outlets; building wooden casements to support setting concrete in structures such as
bridges or foundation pillars. The term carpenter is usually used for people who work with wood and allied
materials outside on building sites; joiners do similar work but inside buildings.
Look up the words in bold and any others you don’t know and put them in your personal
dictionary. Complete these sentences about carpenters.
Carpenters:
1. build ............................................................................................................................................................
2. fit ................................................................................................................................................................
3. cut ...............................................................................................................................................................
4. fix ................................................................................................................................................................
Answer these questions on your own first and then compare them with the person next to you.
1. Name three types of tools that carpenters use: ............................................................................................
2. Name four things that carpenters build or make: .........................................................................................
3. How can you get training to become a carpenter? ......................................................................................
4. Where do carpenters work? ........................................................................................................................
Further research
Using the website www.citb.co.uk or www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles
answer the following questions:
• In the country where you come from, is a carpenter’s job different from a carpenter’s job in the UK?
• How much money do you think a carpenter can earn in a year?
• Who do carpenters work for?
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59. Section 3
Task 20c
Plumbers
Match the words with their definitions.
install a waterproof sealant and filler
repair an instrument for measuring water pressure
maintain bath, sinks, toilets, fitted wardrobes etc
waste water to keep something in good condition
disposal dirty water (from sink or toilet)
mastic a place that produces something
factory to put in (a toilet, sink, pump)
fixtures getting rid of waste
leak to fix something
gauge when water comes out of somewhere it shouldn’t
Complete the following sentences.
Plumbers:
1. cut through ceilings and walls to .................................................................................................................
2. test pipes to ................................................................................................................................................
3. join pipes using ...........................................................................................................................................
4. install, repair and maintain ..........................................................................................................................
5. measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using .................................................................................................
6. wear the following personal protection equipment: .....................................................................................
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60. Build Up
Task 21
Sharing your knowledge, skills and experience
It is now several years in the future and you are an experienced tradesperson. You have a new apprentice
who has just started working with you.
Choose a trade and a task from that trade which you want your apprentice to help you with.
Work in pairs, with one person taking the role of skilled tradesperson and the other the
apprentice. Describe to the apprentice the stages you have to go through to do the job.
In this example you are a painter, telling your apprentice the stages they have to go through to paint a room.
We have started the sentences for you.
1. First you prepare the walls for painting by ...................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
2. Put on the undercoat using .........................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
3. Let the first wall dry and start ......................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
4. While the walls are drying, start preparing the doors ...................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
5. Put a top coat on the walls ..........................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................
6. You finish by ................................................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................
Other phrases you can use:
First ..................................................................................................................................................................
Next .................................................................................................................................................................
Be careful .........................................................................................................................................................
Make sure ........................................................................................................................................................
Don’t forget to .................................................................................................................................................
It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to do the job in detail, at this stage it is more important to improve
your vocabulary and knowledge of the language you use to give instructions.
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62. Section 4
Task 22
Why health and safety is important
Do you remember discussing health and safety earlier on in the course?
Did you talk about the accidents that can happen on building sites?
What is an accident?
Write down your definition of an accident. Check it in a dictionary.
As a class, discuss different types of accidents that can happen on a building site.
Here are some nouns, adjectives and verbs you can use.
Nouns Adjectives Verbs
danger dangerous to cause
a fall falling to fall
hole unprotected to protect
path slippery to slip
object heavy to drop
notice warning to warn
rail strong to fix
lighting secure to secure
materials fragile to break
machinery heavy to lift
fracture fatal to die
Add any new nouns, verbs or adjectives that you hear in the discussion.
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63. Build Up
Task 23
Accidents in the construction industry
Every year over 15,000 accidents that happen during building activities are reported to the Health and Safety
Executive. Reported accidents are those which cause:
• death
• injury
• more than three days off work
• or are caused by a dangerous occurrence.
In 1996 the government introduced new regulations called the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations to collect information to use in preventing the same accidents happening over and
over again. All accidents must be reported to the Incident Reporting Centre. This can be done online at
www.riddor.gov.uk .
15,000 accidents a year works out at:
• 300 accidents every week or
• about 60 accidents every working day or
• seven accidents during every working hour or
• one accident every nine minutes.
By the time you have read this someone on a building site has probably had an accident. Every year there are
at least 78 fatal accidents. This means that at least six people die in the construction industry every month.
Causes of accidents
The Health and Safety Executive has identified the types of accidents that are likely to happen to people in
certain occupations. More than 50% of fatal accidents involve people who fall.
The occupations where you are likely to suffer injury are as a:
• carpenter or joiner
• bricklayer
• electrician.
To find out more about health and safety in the construction industry visit: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/.
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64. Section 4
Task 24
Talking about accidents
In small groups, tell each other about any accidents that you have had when doing building work
for yourself or someone else.
• What happened?
• Did you do something wrong?
• What would you do to make sure it doesn’t happen again?
Write down what happened to one of the students in your group.
Ask them to check if you got it right.
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65. Build Up
Task 25
Keeping healthy, keeping safe
The Health and Safety Executive and other organisations work hard to make sure workers and their
employers know what to do to avoid accidents and injuries.
Employers must make sure that people working for them:
• are trained and competent to do the job safely and without putting their health at risk
• are properly supervised and given clear instructions
• have access to washing and toilet facilities
• have the right tools, equipment, plant and protective clothing
• understand health and safety issues for the job they are doing.
Accidents can cause serious injury or death but there are many jobs that can cause injuries that you don’t feel
for a long time.
Complete the following sentences about injuries to parts of your body that poor working practices
can cause, using the following words:
eyes, blindness, back, deafness, burn, hands and arms, lungs, skin.
1. Carrying heavy loads, or picking up heavy objects incorrectly, can damage your ................................... .
2. Constant loud noise can lead to ................................... .
3. Using vibrating machines for too long can damage your ................................... .
4. Breathing in dust can damage your ................................... .
5. Some substances can irritate your ................................... and your ................................... .
6. If a corrosive liquid splashes on your face and eyes it will ................................... your skin and may cause
................................... .
Look up any words you don’t know.
In pairs discuss how you can you avoid these injuries. On the next page are examples of Personal
Protective Equipment, called PPE, that you can use to prevent damage to your body.
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66. Section 4
Task 26
Personal Protective Equipment
Label the pictures and then write a sentence to say what you would use them for.
• Ear defenders • Protective spectacles • High visibility clothing • Steel toecapped boots
• Ear plugs • Goggles • Hard hat • Boiler suit or overalls
• .....................................................................................................................................................
• .....................................................................................................................................................
• .....................................................................................................................................................
• .....................................................................................................................................................
• .....................................................................................................................................................
• .....................................................................................................................................................
• .....................................................................................................................................................
• .....................................................................................................................................................
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67. Build Up
Task 27a
Safety signs
There are different kinds of safety signs. The main ones are:
Mandatory signs which tell you what you must do.
Prohibitive signs which tell you what you must not do.
Warning signs which tell you to be careful and why.
Emergency escape, first aid or safe condition signs which tell you
where to go if there is a fire or where bandages and other first aid
material is kept.
Fire equipment signs, which tell you where fire-fighting equipment is
kept.
Marking for dangerous locations. Where would you see it on a
building site?
72
