Entry Requirements

There are no specific academic entry requirements to train as a buyer, although you must have good communication and organisational skills. It is helpful to be trained in an aspect of construction or building, to ensure you understand methods and processes, and how the whole job fits together.

Apprenticeships are the usual route in and enable you to earn while you learn. Employers are also normally happy to offer work experience to young people hoping to get into the trade. You will usually begin your training as an assistant technician, and then progress on to more supervisory roles.

The Benefits

Assistant buyers can expect to earn around £16,000, and senior buyers about £26,000. Salaries in London are higher. For further information on salaries, see professional institutions and industry press.

The Job  

Once a construction project tender is won, the buyer works with suppliers to ensure everything that's needed is bought in from the suppliers. It's the buyer's job to make sure that they're all delivered on time - and on budget.

The People  

You'll need to be a great communicator, as you'll be spending most of your time talking to suppliers. You'll also need to be well organised, calm under pressure and a good planner, as you'll be making sure that everything arrives when and where it's supposed to.