With new regeneration and Government housing targets, the construction industry is facing the toughest challenges yet. With new projects in commercial and residential developments, growing pressures for sustainable and low impact development and the need for low cost housing, better and faster results are being expected from everyone involved in the construction industry from planners to those on site every day.

As a result of all these new opportunities and challenges in construction there are new construction jobs becoming available every day throughout the entire sphere of the industry. The experience and level of qualification required is also changing, and may require due consideration if you are searching for construction jobs.

Entry into the construction industry can come about at any level of education with on the job training and work experience still seen as one of the main requirements for any employer. Obviously, there are specific vocational qualifications required for specialised jobs such as architecture, building and quantity surveying and building engineering, but in general the construction industry places high value on practical ability and experience.

On the job training could include modern apprenticeships, advanced modern apprenticeships and other industry-related qualifications, for example, Edexcel and City and Guilds qualifications in carpentry and joinery. There are also many forms of college training courses available to help you progress up the ladder and when combined with on-site experience the construction industry will become more open to you no matter what your previous career choices. Of course, having a degree in your chosen area is a huge boon to any employer as most vocational degrees involve an element of practical learning and training meaning you are employable immediately and are already trained to industry standards. The construction industry sector also covers the highways and roads of the UK and many people enter this area with a BTEC First Diploma in Construction and move on once they have further experience on site.

Whether refurbishing existing buildings, creating new spaces, or maintaining the safety of roads and highways, the construction industry is responsible for our safety and the safety of its employees, therefore it should come as no surprise that when it comes to qualifications its important to ensure you have fulfill the relevant safety requirements for working on site, regardless of the position you are looking to hold.

Most crew onsite will be expected to have the basic certification in Working at Heights, for example, and where relevant site workers will require a Fork Lift Truck Driving license or a specific vehicle license appropriate to the task in hand. Those aiming to operate heavy machinery on site should carry the newly introduced CPCS card in order to prove they have the relevant competence and skills.

With larger contractors looking to fill positions as diverse crewmembers and project managers in all aspects of development and regeneration, there are many opportunities continually arising in all aspects of the industry. There are also plenty of courses available to retrain and improve your knowledge of this continually changing industry, whether you’re new to the job or simply want to improve your standing within the industry.

Indianapolis, IN (Vocus) February 15, 2008

Con artists have now set their sights on the trucking industry. Recently, several independent truck driving schools have been targeted by con artists representing themselves as recruiting personnel from several well-known trucking companies. Authorities across the country are investigating reports of several truck driving school graduates who were scammed out of hundreds of dollars for advanced placement fees and expenses. The scam works like this: the con artist contacts truck driving schools posing as a driver recruiting representative for a major U.S. trucking company. The con artist suggests to school personnel that the trucking company wants to form a partnership with the school and requests a list of recent school graduates. The graduates are then contacted by the con artist, who promises false job opportunities and perks for a fee. To date, several truck driving schools throughout the country have been targeted. One trucking company executive commented that his recruiting staff was being bombarded with calls from scammed truck school graduates and truck driving schools.

However, there are reputable recruiting companies out there who do things the right way. One of the largest of these is Driver Solutions, who specializes in recruiting and training entry-level truck drivers. Driver Solutions manages a driver recruiting and CDL training network of several well-known trucking companies and credible truck driving schools. Driver Solutions offers a company-sponsored training program with no up-front tuition costs or placement fees. Through the company-sponsored training program, the trucking company agrees to pay for the student’s upfront tuition costs and the student agrees to become a company driver once he graduates CDL training. Driver Solutions President Mark Kinsel commented on the recruiting scam affecting the trucking industry: Driver Solutions never solicits an up-front recruitment fee from our students. Our goal is to break down the barriers that prevent good people from realizing their dreams. Driver Solutions unique program enables the company to recruit new truck drivers without requiring tuition down payments, credit checks, or hefty loans and co-signors.

“Driver Solutions never provides information about our graduates to any outside companies or individuals,” Kinsel continued. “We want our students to feel at ease with the recruitment and training process because trust is the cornerstone to success in our business. Good communication makes sure there are no surprises.”

The company’s recruiting policy includes developing a personal relationship between the prospective student and his personal driver agent through constant communication. This interaction with Driver Solutions personnel, the CDL training school, and the sponsoring trucking company assures students of the integrity of Driver Solutions? recruitment process.

About Driver Solutions

Driver Solutions is a career management company specializing in CDL training programs and job placement for inexperienced truck drivers. The company oversees the Driver Solutions Network, which is comprised of trucking companies including P.A.M. Transport, USA Truck, and Averitt Express, as well as several recognized truck driving schools throughout the United States. For more information about Driver Solutions, visit the corporate website at http://www.otrdrivers.com or contact the Public Relations department at (317) 791-2901, extension 129.

###

Find More Truck Driving Schools News!