The construction sector accounts for just 4.4% of the jobs in Cheshire; significantly less than the average of 5.2% in north-west England. However, Warrington is a real hotspot for the industry, with 6.2% of the workforce employed in it.
A recent CITB study predicted the construction industry in the north-west would contract by an average of 0.6% a year until 2017. However, the outlook for Cheshire is much more optimistic, as there are plans for a number of major projects, including the £1 billion Omega mixed-use development on the outskirts of Warrington, the redevelopment of the Bridge Street district of Warrington town centre, the creation of the Basford employment area in Crewe and a new port on the Manchester Ship Canal.
The projects will create many employment opportunities, both with Omega's lead contractor Miller Developments and smaller local firms. Construction managers, civil engineers, bricklayers, plant operatives and glaziers are predicted to be the most sought after staff.
Construction and trades recruitment agencies in Cheshire deal with both permanent and temporary roles, with salaries usually slightly below the national average. Bricklayers and other skilled tradesmen earn from £10 to £13 an hour, while civil engineers can expect remuneration packages worth between £30,000 and £39,000 a year.