Fencing Basic Operative Labourer

Basic Operatives work outdoors as part of a fencing team, carrying out manual tasks and helping to support qualified fence installers.

The fencing industry incorporates several main areas of work:

Boundary fencing covering post and rail, livestock, post and panel
Vehicle restraint covering urban and motorways
Sound proof barriers
Parapets and bridges
Security fencing, prisons and wild animals
Electric fencing and gates.

There are around 3,150 fencing businesses throughout the UK employing 27,000 people.

Job opportunities can be in urban and rural areas.

Working Conditions

Fencing businesses can operate seven days a week, so employees often work flexible hours based around the jobs that need completing. In larger businesses, they are likely to work on a rota system with other members of staff. This will include early mornings, evenings and weekends.

There may be opportunities for both full-time and temporary work.

Basic Operatives need to be comfortable working outside, as that’s where they spend most of their time. They may also need to collect materials or equipment and make deliveries, so usually need a full driving licence.

Basic Operatives are often employed by large construction groups working on major building projects. These can be motorway, road or rail network companies, landscaping or fencing companies in agriculture

Many fencing contractors work over a wide area so need to travel away from home.

Anyone working on a construction site, including Basic Operatives, will need to hold the FISS (Fencing Industry Skills Scheme) CSCS (Construction Skills Card Scheme) card.

Salary

Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.

Starting salary:

£15,000

Ending Salary:

£20,000

Getting started

Qualifications and training

Relevant qualifications

Modern Apprenticeship in Rural Skills SCQF Level 5

SVQ Estate Maintenance SCQF Level 5

NC Rural Skills

SVQ Environmental Conservation SCQF Level 5

Practical Skills Training

Experience and skills

What experienced workers can do

Maintain health and safety
Be able to use tools and equipment
Be able to place and fix fencing parts
Receive and handle fencing materials on site
Be able to maintain working relationships.

Personal qualities you should have

Good communication skills
Able to use initiative
Able to work on own or in a team.

Next steps

From a Basic Operative you may be able to progress with further training to a Fencing Installer with a large contracting businesses. You will need additional FISS CSCS cards.