With an increasing demand for sustainable housing, urban development, and public infrastructure, careers in construction and building are more relevant than ever. This article explores the field, its specialisations, and bursary opportunities that help students break ground in this vital industry.

What is Construction and Building?

Construction and building involve the planning, design, management, and physical creation of structures and infrastructure. It combines technical skills with problem-solving, teamwork, and project coordination.

Professionals in this field work across public and private sectors, managing everything from large-scale infrastructure projects to small residential renovations.

Fields and Career Paths in Construction and Building

This diverse sector includes a variety of roles suited to different skill sets, from design to engineering to site supervision.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers design and manage infrastructure projects such as roads, dams, bridges, and buildings. They ensure that structures are safe, functional, and cost-effective.

Construction Management

Construction managers oversee projects from start to finish. They handle budgeting, team coordination, material procurement, and timeline enforcement to ensure smooth project execution.

Quantity Surveying

Quantity surveyors estimate costs, prepare tender documents, and manage finances during construction. They play a critical role in ensuring that projects stay within budget.

Architecture

Architects design the physical appearance and functionality of buildings. They combine creativity with structural knowledge to create safe, beautiful, and practical spaces.

Urban and Regional Planning

Urban planners develop long-term plans for cities, towns, and rural areas. They balance economic growth, sustainability, and community needs.

Bricklaying and Artisan Skills

Skilled trades like bricklaying, plumbing, tiling, and electrical work are essential to every building project. These hands-on careers offer great opportunities for qualified artisans.

Health and Safety Officers

These professionals ensure that construction sites comply with safety regulations. They assess risks, train workers, and help prevent accidents and injuries.

The Importance of the Construction Sector in South Africa

As South Africa continues to grow, so does the need for sustainable infrastructure and housing. The construction industry is vital for:

Job Creation

This sector employs thousands of people, from engineers and artisans to planners and administrators.

Urban Development

Construction drives the growth of cities and townships by building roads, schools, hospitals, and housing developments.

Economic Stimulus

Government infrastructure projects, such as housing schemes and rail systems, stimulate economic activity and attract investment.

Popular Construction and Building Bursaries in South Africa

Pursuing studies in construction-related fields can be financially demanding, but various institutions and organisations offer support to students committed to building the nation.

CIDB Bursary (Construction Industry Development Board)

This bursary supports students in civil engineering, quantity surveying, and construction management, helping to build a professional and competitive industry.

Department of Human Settlements Bursary

The department offers bursaries for students in fields such as town planning, architecture, construction economics, and land surveying, with a focus on public sector infrastructure development.

WBHO Bursary Programme

WBHO Construction provides financial aid to students in civil engineering, construction management, and building science. The bursary often includes vacation work and graduate employment.

Murray & Roberts Bursary

This major construction and engineering company offers bursaries to talented students in engineering, quantity surveying, and project management.

Aveng Grinaker-LTA Bursaries

Available for students in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, this bursary supports learners who are passionate about infrastructure development.

National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) Bursary

NHFC supports students studying housing finance, property development, construction economics, and urban planning.

NSFAS

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme offers full support to financially disadvantaged students enrolled in construction-related programs at public institutions.

Conclusion

Construction and building professionals are the hands and minds behind South Africa’s roads, homes, cities, and landmarks. Their work is essential to national growth and daily life, offering both creative and technical career opportunities.

With so many bursary options available, students from all backgrounds can now study towards becoming engineers, quantity surveyors, artisans, and construction managers. If you’re passionate about development, teamwork, and transforming physical spaces, this is a career path worth considering.

Explore ourConstruction & Building Bursary Listingsfor 2025 and take the first step toward building your future and your country’s future — one project at a time.