Unfortunately scheduling jobs aren't as predominant in the UK, and theyre very often engineer focused. Learning ASTA seems to be a tip of the iceberg when it comes to obtaining actual employment.
As much as the software is important to learn I think it might be worthwhile learning the construction industry more. Document control gives you good exposure (i'll advise you to contract as many doc control jobs as you can in different construction industries) so you get a feel of everything, and try your best to get a job on site. It's dirty and dusty but you'll appreciate it
First learn the different types of contracts normally issued for constructon projects, the main types of structures for different building, then you can get a feel of what actually happens on site. (Having wasted money and time on the degree I currently have no desire to return and learn construction management, i'd rather do a chem engineering degree). As a doc controller you have access to everything, go through the drawings and assess what they tell you, go through the specs and learn the kanguage. Go through the tender documents, employers requirements and most importantly read through as many programmes as possible! Learn the order, popular activities, those which take long, those that overlap. Apply your knowledge from reading the drawings to creating a link between these activities. Learn the difference between a schools contract and a commercial one. Keep your ears open when the planners and QSs are talking!
I also hear, too often 'you cannot be a planner if you don't know how to build' I know far too many 'Senior Planners' who didn't have this knowledge, I know a hairdresser that became a planning manager no education whatsoever (beyond GCSEs I assume). I've learned that experience will make you an expert. In the meantime, you'll pick up relevant knowledge from everyone else.
You may learn programming software skills to become a scheduler - putting someone elses plan onto the chart.
You will not be a planner until you know how to build things.
A document controller is a key position in any construction enterprise but does not pay as much as it deserves.
My advice is to download a 30 day free trial of Asta PowerProject (www.astadev.com) and practice with it until comfortable and then try for a schedulers job.
Best regards
Mike Testro
Member for
18 years 9 months
Member for18 years9 months
Submitted by Dieter Wambach on Thu, 2014-07-03 17:34
Do YOU know what YOU want? Did you ever write down a balance sheet of your strengths and weaknesses? Do so.
Which tasks/jobs from your past you liked the most? Leisure Management sounds nice but I understand that there is a limit set by age.
Document control is extremely important within EPC Projects and you are partner of the PM such as the planner. Which part of this role you like which not?
In Germany at some Universities Planning is part of Construction Management, but there is no real education as a planner.
Telecoms is a wide and interesting area where are projects and they must be planned. There I assume you have some knowledge and would be able to use this as a basis.
I hope these questions will help you a little. It is your future. So consider first your real targets, your strengths your weaknesses. Then you can find many postings in PP with questions from beginners and very good answers. They will help you.
Sorry for being a little harsh, but with the result of your considerations you'll earn your life for the next years.
Member for
10 years 9 monthsHi Mike, Unfortunately
Hi Mike,
Unfortunately scheduling jobs aren't as predominant in the UK, and theyre very often engineer focused. Learning ASTA seems to be a tip of the iceberg when it comes to obtaining actual employment.
As much as the software is important to learn I think it might be worthwhile learning the construction industry more. Document control gives you good exposure (i'll advise you to contract as many doc control jobs as you can in different construction industries) so you get a feel of everything, and try your best to get a job on site. It's dirty and dusty but you'll appreciate it
First learn the different types of contracts normally issued for constructon projects, the main types of structures for different building, then you can get a feel of what actually happens on site. (Having wasted money and time on the degree I currently have no desire to return and learn construction management, i'd rather do a chem engineering degree). As a doc controller you have access to everything, go through the drawings and assess what they tell you, go through the specs and learn the kanguage. Go through the tender documents, employers requirements and most importantly read through as many programmes as possible! Learn the order, popular activities, those which take long, those that overlap. Apply your knowledge from reading the drawings to creating a link between these activities. Learn the difference between a schools contract and a commercial one. Keep your ears open when the planners and QSs are talking!
I also hear, too often 'you cannot be a planner if you don't know how to build' I know far too many 'Senior Planners' who didn't have this knowledge, I know a hairdresser that became a planning manager no education whatsoever (beyond GCSEs I assume). I've learned that experience will make you an expert. In the meantime, you'll pick up relevant knowledge from everyone else.
Member for
19 years 10 monthsHi MaxYou may learn
Hi Max
You may learn programming software skills to become a scheduler - putting someone elses plan onto the chart.
You will not be a planner until you know how to build things.
A document controller is a key position in any construction enterprise but does not pay as much as it deserves.
My advice is to download a 30 day free trial of Asta PowerProject (www.astadev.com) and practice with it until comfortable and then try for a schedulers job.
Best regards
Mike Testro
Member for
18 years 9 monthsHi Max Do YOU know what YOU
Hi Max
Do YOU know what YOU want? Did you ever write down a balance sheet of your strengths and weaknesses? Do so.
Which tasks/jobs from your past you liked the most? Leisure Management sounds nice but I understand that there is a limit set by age.
Document control is extremely important within EPC Projects and you are partner of the PM such as the planner. Which part of this role you like which not?
In Germany at some Universities Planning is part of Construction Management, but there is no real education as a planner.
Telecoms is a wide and interesting area where are projects and they must be planned. There I assume you have some knowledge and would be able to use this as a basis.
I hope these questions will help you a little. It is your future. So consider first your real targets, your strengths your weaknesses. Then you can find many postings in PP with questions from beginners and very good answers. They will help you.
Sorry for being a little harsh, but with the result of your considerations you'll earn your life for the next years.
Good luck!
Dieter