In-Demand Construction Jobs
According to the “Barometer of Professions,” several roles in construction are experiencing shortages, including:
- Construction and formwork carpenters
- Roofers
- Electricians and electrical fitters
- Bricklayers and plasterers
- General building workers
Reports from Eurofound highlight severe worker shortages in Belgium, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Italy. To address this, employers are streamlining recruitment and focusing on quickly filling vacancies.
Key Responsibilities in Construction
Job duties vary by role:
- Construction Assistant – Basic physical tasks, material transport, scaffolding setup
- Construction Worker – Formwork, scaffolding, bricklaying, plastering, finishing work
- Bricklayer – Building foundations and walls
- Machine Operator – Operating construction machinery
- Foreman – Supervising teams, organizing schedules
- Construction Manager – Overseeing project progress and quality control
Qualifications and Skills
While formal education is not always necessary, specialized trades (electricians, fitters, carpenters) require vocational training or certification. Relevant qualifications can be obtained through:
- Vocational schools
- Technical high schools
- Post-secondary courses
- Engineering studies
Practical experience, internships, and certifications in working at heights, machinery operation, and technical drawing enhance job prospects. Key skills employers look for include:
- Physical fitness and stamina
- Attention to detail and conscientiousness
- Teamwork and responsibility
- Good eyesight and coordination
Working Conditions
- Construction workers typically start at entry-level positions, regardless of skills or education
- Internships of at least one year are required for workers with a relevant degree; construction managers need two years
- Most construction jobs are seasonal, with long shifts (9–12 hours) and six-day workweeks
- Overtime is common and usually paid extra
Salaries in Construction
Earnings depend on experience, location, and job role. Estimated gross salaries in different European countries:
Construction Worker:
- Poland: 5,360–6,850 PLN
- Germany: 15–22 EUR/hour
- Belgium: 15–20 EUR/hour
- Netherlands: 15–22 EUR/hour
Electrician:
- Poland: 4,570–6,810 PLN
- Germany: 18–28 EUR/hour
- Belgium: 18–25 EUR/hour
- Netherlands: 20–28 EUR/hour
Fitter:
- Poland: 4,320–5,440 PLN
- Germany: 18–24 EUR/hour
- Belgium: 18–25 EUR/hour
- Netherlands: 20–28 EUR/hour
Carpenter:
- Poland: 4,670–6,310 PLN
- Germany: 18–24 EUR/hour
- Belgium: 18–24 EUR/hour
- Netherlands: 20–28 EUR/hour
Bricklayer:
- Poland: 4,280–6,070 PLN
- Germany: 18–22 EUR/hour
- Belgium: 18–22 EUR/hour
- Netherlands: 20–28 EUR/hour
Machine Operator:
- Poland: 4,800–7,000 PLN
- Germany: 18–24 EUR/hour
- Belgium: 18–22 EUR/hour
- Netherlands: 20–28 EUR/hour
Pros and Cons of Construction Work
Advantages:
- Legal employment with stable hours
- No formal education required for many roles
- Numerous job opportunities and quick hiring processes
Disadvantages:
- Physically demanding work
- Often seasonal employment
- Long hours with frequent overtime
For those looking to work in the construction sector, Europe offers many opportunities, particularly in high-demand countries.