Work at Axis

Salaries at Axis are competitive and relate to experience whether you are working on site or in our Business Support team. According to research carried out by the Federation of Master Builders, Construction Apprentice wages are increasing every year, more than many of their university counterparts. And, because there is plenty of opportunity for career progression, working towards higher paid senior roles like Supervisor, Coordinator, Foreman and Manager is a very realistic prospect for many.

According to statistics from the Considerate Constructors Scheme 2020 survey, 85% of industry professionals would recommend construction as a career to young people. There are many benefits of pursuing a career in a construction role.

The construction industry is a vibrant, diverse and growing industry. However, the labour shortage continues to cause problems for employers and contractors who are seeking the skilled individuals that they need. The industry demands an influx of tradespeople working in skilled construction roles, and indeed young and mature workers alike. With lots of job opportunities available, there’s never been a better time to kick start your career in construction.

When it comes to finding your specialisation, you have a vast range of trades to choose from. From engineering, plumbing and carpentry through to IT, roofing and electrical works, the construction industry demands a diverse talent pool. You can opt for a trade that appeals to your own areas of interest, talents and skills.

One of our Core Values is to train and develop, therefore, we provide the training that Axis people need to develop personally and professionally. We have our own internal LMS (Learning Management System) and work alongside a range of training providers so that our people are fully qualified to do their work. We have a close relationship with colleges and universities and many of our people gain formal qualifications whilst working for us.

The qualifications needed to work in construction will largely depend on the job and position that you are working in. For example, Electricians are required to obtain an ECS card, whilst Site Managers, Engineers and Project Managers are also required to complete the First Aid at Work Certificate.

Those working in a construction role, or likely to visit project sites, will also be required to obtain a CSCS card or Labourer Card. This is given once the CIIB Health, Safety and Environment test has been passed and it demonstrates that an individual is competent and aware of health and safety requirements when working on project sites. There are several levels which depend on the individual’s qualifications and professional experience level.

Others may need to be qualified in UKATA Asbestos Awareness, Working at Heights and Manual Handling. Those working in construction roles, whether that be roofing, plumbing or flooring, will be required to ensure that their qualifications remain current and up-to-date. Many qualifications will need to be renewed on an annual basis, so that Health and Safety standards remain consistently high.

In many roles, NVQs and degrees are valued qualifications. Basic maths and GCSE English are considered useful in general.

Everyone has to start somewhere, whether you are just leaving school or college, or have decided to pursue a career in construction later in life. So, to get a job in construction, it’s not absolutely vital to have experience.

An Apprenticeship Programme, such as those offered here at Axis, is a great way to get your foot in the door and obtain the practical qualifications and skills you will need to progress. And our Work Experience and Internship programmes have helped many people on their chosen path. At entry level we actively recruit for Administrators, Schedulers and Customer Service Advisors.

Axis is a hugely diverse company with employees from 32 ethnic backgrounds, who speak 23 languages in addition to English. Embracing diversity to broaden our horizons is one of our Core Values. We take great pride in being an equal opportunities employer with a multicultural and inclusive workforce.

“A great joy of working here is the rich tapestry of people within our organisation which allows us to learn from each other and expands all of our horizons” – Maria Northwood Business Support Director

Yes, many women work in construction. Whilst males make up a higher percentage of construction workers and labourers, the number of women working within the industry is on the rise, as it’s no longer seen as an industry ‘just for boys’. At Axis, we are working harder to ensure that our Gender Pay Gap gets smaller every year and key Managers, both on and offsite, are women.

“There are no ceilings, no barriers here at Axis. Whether you are male or female doesn’t come into it. If you work hard you can do anything here” – Sandie Ryan, Axis Foundation Trustee

According to the Considerate Constructors Scheme Survey 2020, 72% of industry professionals cite the challenging nature of work as the main benefit of a construction career.

One of the survey’s respondents stated that “site isn’t a place where you turn up and leave. It’s a place where you make friends that could be in your life for a very long time.” Working in construction enables you to meet new people from a range of backgrounds with an array of skills and trades and build long-lasting professional and personal relationships.

Safety is of utmost importance to us here at Axis. That’s why a ‘commitment to health and safety benefits everyone’ is one of our eight Core Values. We take care to ensure that all of our people carrying out maintenance, refurbishment or repair works across our project sites can work safely. Our brilliant Health and Safety Team put our people at the centre of their day and that’s why our safety record is exemplary both on-site and in our offices.

The construction environment is becoming more and more technology-focused. Many still subscribe to the stereotype that construction is an old-fashioned industry. However, with a drive in digital change, an increasing number of construction projects incorporate ‘modern construction’. This includes the use of modern technologies, such as Building Information Modelling, (BIM), drones, nanotechnology and exoskeletons.

Our own IT team is at the forefront of the drive for digital, embracing new ways to gather data, improve performance, implement learning systems and enhance communication within the business and with our clients, suppliers and subcontractors.

One of our Core Values is to train and develop our people because we believe that their growth becomes our growth. Here at Axis, we recognise the importance of progression and are dedicated to helping our people to grow and develop within their roles. We provide the best training and development opportunities across all job roles, ensuring that our people can advance with us and be the best that they can be.

The construction industry relies on a diverse workforce who contribute a variety of professional and personal skills, both on-site in construction roles and within Business Support and Administration divisions. We are looking for people who have valuable skills and can work with our people to deliver the quality of service for which we are renowned.

We welcome a range of experience levels, from skilled tradespeople who are highly qualified and experienced in their role, to those at the beginning of the career journey.

Above all, we are looking for people who show up with a positive attitude, have great communication skills, get involved as a team player and demonstrate a willingness to embrace our own Core Values. We value an enthusiasm to learn and develop, and to ask questions, and hard work too!

As a nationwide property service provider, we have a wide range of employment opportunities available across the UK. Our headquarters are in Stratford, East London, and we have five additional offices in Brentwood, Kingston, Merseyside, Sittingbourne and West Midlands. We actively recruit from the local communities where we work. You can search for opportunities by location here.

Because we offer such a wide range of property services to our clients, the jobs are very varied too. Some examples of trades and skills we recruit include Electricians, Quantity Surveyors, Gas and Plumbing Engineers, Painters and Decorators as well as Site Managers, Resident Liaison Officers and Call Centre Operatives.

There are often vacancies in the Business Support section too. This includes IT, Administration, HR, Marketing, Finance and our CSR team.

We are always looking to welcome talented, skilled and dedicated employees to the Axis family. From Apprenticeship opportunities, through to experienced Management roles, we have a vast array of career opportunities available at Axis. You can find out about our latest opportunities here.

Axis is classified as a construction business, but our work comprises even more than bricks and mortar! It takes us right into the heart of people’s homes, into a busy brand-new office development; onto a factory floor, up a high-rise block or into one of the precious heritage buildings we conserve for the future.

Therefore, work at Axis can be on site or office-based. You might be abseiling down a building or spearheading initiatives in Health and Safety; painting and repairing a property or creating a marketing campaign; studying for a degree in Quantity Surveying whilst learning your chosen trade; liaising with clients, or taking calls from residents and helping them whilst we conduct repairs to their homes. These are just a few examples.