What does a Labourer do?

A Labourer works on a construction site to complete specific tasks that are important to the building process. Some Labourers have specific skills, such as concrete finishing and carpentry, while others are general Labourers who can complete a variety of tasks.

All Labourers must be able to follow instructions carefully and correctly with little oversight. Safety on a construction site is incredibly important and all Labourers must be aware of the safety standards and practices within the industry.

Labourer skills and qualifications

Successful Labourers must be dependable, efficient and dedicated to their safety and the safety of their fellow Labourers. They should be able to work well as part of a team but also be able to work independently on their own projects when necessary. Their other important skills include:

• Thorough attention to detail
• Basic knowledge of maths
• The ability to remain calm under pressure
• General knowledge of building and construction practices
• The ability to handle constructive criticism
• The ability to work in extreme weather conditions
• The ability to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Labourer experience requirements

This job can be listed as an entry-level position requiring nothing more than a Constriction Skills Certification Scheme card and a willingness to learn. Previous experience with general construction tools is helpful for most positions. Most organisations want candidates to have some on-site experience and a familiarity with working in outside weather conditions. An understanding of the importance of on-site safety, as well as the ability to learn quickly and follow instructions, are crucial requirements for all candidates. All candidates must have a good level of fitness in order to safely work on a construction site.

Labourer education and training requirements

There are no set educational requirements for a Labourer position, although most companies prefer applicants who have taken a few courses and received a certificate such as a Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills or a Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations. Some applicants will have completed a Groundworker intermediate apprenticeship, or a more specialised apprenticeship in an area such as demolition, scaffolding, carpentry, electricity or plumbing.

All applicants must have a Constriction Skills Certification Scheme card or an equivalent to work and train on any site. If the role requires the use of excavators or dumper trucks, candidates need to be 18 or over and should have a driving licence.

Labourer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Labourer in the UK is £10.59 per hour. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Labourer position is not exactly what you need to advertise, consider these related job description samples:

• Handyman
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