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ESCO occupation

building construction worker

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Building construction workers prepare and maintain building construction activities on construction sites. They perform preparation and clean-up work in order to assist specialised construction workers.

9313.1 ISCO 9313 ESCO source
Competences
49
Groups
3
Essential
20
Optional
29

Competences and skills

49 ESCO relations
Essential skills and competences 20 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

13 competences
apply finish to concrete

Finish concrete using a variety of techniques like polishing and acid staining.

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check compatibility of materials

Make sure the materials are fit to be used together, and if there are any foreseeable interferences.

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dig soil mechanically

Use mechanical equipment to dig up and move soil. Form pits according to excavation plans.

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discharge cement

Discharge the cement from the mixer into cans.

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inspect masonry work

Inspect finished masonry work. Check if the work is straight and level, if each brick is of adequate quality, and if the joints are full and well finished.

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install construction profiles

Install a variety of metal or plastic profiles used to attach materials to each other or to structural elements. Cut them to size if called for.

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move soil

Use machinery to load and unload soil. Take care not to overload the machine. Dump the soil judiciously in the assigned place.

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operate digging construction equipment

Operate and use construction equipment, such as digger derricks, backhoes, track hoes, front-end loaders, trenchers, or cable ploughs.

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place drywall

Place sections of drywall against a surface. Put joists in place. Plan the amount of drywall necessary and the pattern they will be installed in to minimise the number of joints.

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pour concrete

Pour concrete into a form from a mixer truck chute, hopper or hose. Pour the correct amount to balance efficiency with the risk of the concrete not setting completely.

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prepare wall for wallpaper

Make sure the wall is prepared for papering. Remove any dirt, grease, or debris. Make sure the wall is smooth and dry. Coat plaster or other porous material with a sealer to make sure the wallpaper paste is not absorbed.

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transport construction supplies

Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers' safety and protection from deterioration.

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work in a construction team

Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible manner.

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Cross-sector

7 competences
follow health and safety procedures in construction

Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

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inspect construction supplies

Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.

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install wood elements in structures

Install elements made of wood and wood-based composite materials, such as doors, stairs, plinths, and ceiling frames. Assemble and affix the elements, taking care to prevent gaps.

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mix concrete

Use compact concrete mixers or various ad-hoc containers such as wheelbarrows to mix concrete. Prepare the correct quantities of cement, water, aggregate and optional added ingredients, and mix the ingredients until an homogenous concrete is formed.

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prepare surface for painting

Make sure the surface to be painted is free of scratches and dents. Assess the porosity of the wall and the need for coating. Remove any grease, dirt, moisture and traces of previous coverings.

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prepare surface for plastering

Prepare the wall or other surface to be plastered. Make sure the wall is free of impurities and moisture, and is not too smooth as this will prevent proper adherence of the plastering materials. Decide whether an adhesive wall coating is called for, especially if the wall is damp or very porous.

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use safety equipment in construction

Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.

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Optional knowledge 10 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

4 competences
demolition techniques

Various methods of demolishing structures, like controlled implosion, use of a wrecking ball or jackhammer, or selective demolition. Usage cases of these methods based on type of structure, time constraints, environment and expertise.

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types of concrete forms

The shapes, construction methods and purposes of different types of concrete forms, including special forms like sliding and climbing formwork. Suitable materials for forms and any products or coatings used to enhance the properties of the form.

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types of concrete pumps

The types of machines used to pump liquid concrete such as the boom concrete pumps used for large construction projects or line pumps generally used for small-scale works.

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types of plastering materials

Types of plastering materials containing different proportions of materials such as gypsum, cement and lime, each with their own properties, usage cases and cost.

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Cross-sector

6 competences
building construction principles

The component elements and principles of building construction such as types of wall construction and foundations, defects in walls and roofs and ways to address such defects.

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building materials industry

Supplier, brands and types of products and goods available on the market of building materials.

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carpentry

Construction methods related to timber items, such as construction of roofs, floors and timber framed buildings and other related products such as doors or skirting boards.

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construction industry

The products, brands and suppliers active in the construction field.

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construction methods

The various techniques and methods for erecting buildings and other constructions.

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plumbing tools

A variety of common plumbing tools and their usage cases, limitations and risks.

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Optional skills and competences 19 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

14 competences
apply adhesive wall coating

Apply an adhesive coating, usually based on PVA, to a wall to ensure a good bond between the wall and a covering layer, such as plaster.

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communicate with construction crews

Exchange information with the construction crews or supervisors to ensure smooth progress of the construction project. Obtain updates on the progress and any obstacles, and inform the crews of any changes in the schedule or procedures.

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finish mortar joints

Use a trowel to apply extra mortar to joints to smoothen and finish them after the mortar has partially hardened. Make sure that the joints are full to prevent dampness and other outside influences from passing through the wall.

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fit doors

Fit a door into a prepared space and attach the hinges to the door and door frame. Make sure the door is straight and flush.

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inspect construction sites

Ensure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.

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install roof windows

Install various types of windows on the roof such as skylight, dormer windows and flat roof windows.

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lay tiles

Firmly place the tiles on a surface prepared with adhesive. Adjust their position to so they are flush and evenly spaced. Take care not to disturb the surface. Insert spacers in the joints. When working vertically with heavy tiles, place a supporting piece of timber to prevent slippage if called for. Remove any excess adhesive from the face of the tile.

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operate concrete pumps

Operate the remote control of the robotic arm of a concrete pump while monitoring the pouring process.

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operate masonry power saw

Use a masonry power saw to cut bricks to the right size and shape. Operate a table saw or hand-held saw.

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place concrete forms

Set up forms out of wood, plywood, various plastics, or other suitable materials to form concrete into supportive columns or walls. Place sheathing delineating the shape of the planned structure and use supportive constructions, usually incorporating wales, cleats and stakes, to keep the sheathing firmly in place as the concrete cures.

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plan construction of houses

Draw up blueprints for the construction of houses and other types of buildings. Calculate and estimate the required materials and coordinate and supervise activities of workers executing the several construction techniques needed for the building process.

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plaster surfaces

Apply plaster to a prepared surface manually or using a mechanical plaster spreader. Finish the plaster layer with a plastering trowel or screed. Polish the surface to a matte finish to make sure any other coverings adhere to the surface. Inspect the result and retouch if necessary.

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screed concrete

Smooth the surface of freshly poured concrete using a screed.

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secure heavy construction equipment

Secure heavy equipment such as tower cranes or concrete pumps before, during, and after use to prevent damage to the machines, workforce or construction site. Take precautionary steps such as retracting the robotic arm of concrete pumps or bringing the hook block back to the jib.

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Cross-sector

5 competences
construct wood roofs

Build the structural elements of wood flat or pitched roofs. Lay rafters to provide strength and battens at regular intervals to account for lateral forces and attach any covering. Back the weight-bearing elements with panels, such as plywood, and insulation material.

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cut wall chases

Cut a narrow channel in a wall or other partition in order to run cables through it. Cut the channel straight and without causing unnecessary damage. Be sure to avoid existent wires. Lead the cables through the chase and fill it up with the appropriate material.

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install plumbing systems

Install systems of pipes, drains, fittings, valves, and fixtures designed for the distribution of potable water for drinking, heating, washing and waste removal.

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read standard blueprints

Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.

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set window

Place a window in a prepared position such as a wall or floor, in case of full height glass. Use measurement tools to ascertain that the window is straight and plumb.

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