Bedfordshire is a county of England that lies just north of London. Its largest town is Luton, and various other settlements in the county serve as commuter towns for those earning a living in the capital.

The fact that Bedfordshire provides quick access to London for commuters means it has survived the worst of the construction slump that has gripped other parts of the UK. Its excellent rail links, London Luton Airport and the M1 motorway have ensured that new infrastructure projects, housing developments and business initiatives have kept local builders and contractors in gainful employment. Local recruitment agencies are always keen to see qualified electricians, plumbers and joiners, as certain areas of the county have shortages in skilled labour.

The University of Bedfordshire specialises in construction management qualifications, which is just one of the reasons why the county's construction industry has managed to escape the worst of the downturn. Although Bedfordshire has several national construction companies currently working on projects in the area, the biggest employer in the county is Kier - a company which specialises in public and civil construction projects and maintenance schemes.

Salaries in Bedfordshire are a little higher than the national average due to the county's proximity to London. Skilled construction workers and project managers can earn between £30,000 and £60,000. Architects in the area may be able to find positions that pay as much as £80,000 per year. Unskilled construction staff are usually paid by the hour.