The fencing industry covers:
- Boundary fencing – domestic and agricultural (post and rail, post and panel, strained wire)
- Vehicle restraint - roads and motorways
- Sound proof barriers
- Parapets and bridges
- Security fencing, prisons, airports
- Electric fencing and gates.
There are around 3,150 fencing businesses throughout the UK, employing 27,000 people in urban and rural areas.
Lead Installers are employed by large construction groups working on major building projects, by landscaping or fencing companies, and by motorway, road or rail network companies.
Lead Installers are responsible for:
- Managing people within the team
- Making sure work carried out meets the standards of the client
- Encouraging and motivating team members to complete task on time
- Liaising with onsite deliveries and logistics
- Managing personal and team health and safety on site.
Working Conditions
Fencing businesses can operate seven days a week, so employees often work flexible hours based around the jobs that need doing. In larger businesses, employees might well work on a rota system, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.
Lead Installers supervise a team of fence installers and labourers on site, usually working under the direction of the Assistant Site Manager or Site Manager, focusing on fence planning and installation.
They need to be comfortable working outside as well as in an office, as most of their time is spent outdoors in all weathers.
Many fencing contractors cover a wide area, travel or work away from home.
Those working on construction sites, including Lead Installers, need to have the FISS (Fencing Industry Skills Scheme) CSCS (Construction Skills Card Scheme) gold card.
A full driving licence is normally needed as well.
Salary
Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.
£30,000
£40,000
Getting started
What experienced workers can do
- Manage and lead a team
- Plan and manage work to plans
- Able to do calculations
- Operate plant and machinery
- Excavate and form foundations for fencing
- Communicate with customers.
Personal qualities you should have
- Able to meet the physical demands of the job
- Good practical skills
- Flexible and adaptable
- Good communications skills
- Able to work on own or in a team.
Next steps
Promotion to Lead Installer is quite common for General Fence Installers, once they have supervisory skills, experience, skills, knowledge and the right skills cards.
Lead Installers can go on to become Contracts Supervisors or Managers within larger businesses.
Industry links
Association of Fencing Industries
National Farmers Union Scotland
Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service