Unskilled jobs in the building industry

The building industry is a reliable source of employment for unskilled jobs. Here we list the types of unskilled work available.

Labourer
The most widespread unskilled jobs in the industry are for labourers. While much of the specialist construction work falls to skilled tradesmen, they wouldn’t be able to undertake their tasks without labourers.

A high level of physical fitness is required for these demanding roles, and you’ll need to understand the basic rules for lifting and carrying objects up to 36 kilos, as well as working in adverse conditions (high up or underground).

Truck driver
Driving trucks to and from the construction site is a key component of building jobs. This may be unskilled work but it is essential and can include other areas of responsibility. As well as delivering site materials, drivers are often relied on by foremen to communicate with other crew members in various site locations.

Drivers can be expected to unload materials. They’ll also need to know exactly where to place the items – next to the work area in a building site, or on the shoulder of a road under construction.

Heavy equipment operator
Experienced operators would debate about whether or not they come under the ‘unskilled’ banner. Working with excavators, dozers and front end loaders on construction sites doesn’t require formal certification. A commercial drivers licence is not always mandatory. But the work is specialised and does require on the job training. With this experience, heavy equipment operators will find their skills in demand.